OGDEN — Weber State ended its 2002 fall football camp with a 90-minute scrimmage at Stewart Stadium. It was the second full scrimmage for the 'Cats in less than seven days, but coach Jerry Graybeal saw a world of difference.
"Last Saturday's scrimmage was 'mooshy,' that's the word I used to describe it. Tonight was much more crisp on both sides of the ball, even though it took a few minutes for each side to decide to increase the intensity level," said Graybeal. "We really didn't run much. We wanted to see how our quarterbacks were coming along, so it was probably a 75-25 pass-to-run ratio."
Starting quarterback Tate Bennett completed 13 of 25 passes for 180 yards and one touchdown. He did not throw an interception.
"Tate is getting better each practice," said Graybeal. "He showed a lot of poise in a couple of situations where in the past he would take off and not let the play develop."
A couple of redshirt freshmen receivers showed off their talents. Wiley King and Jason Norman both made a couple of outstanding plays.
King, who was a standout on the WSU track team in 2001-02, had four catches for 93 yards and one TD. Norman had three receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns, moving himself up the depth chart.
Norman came into the scrimmage listed third on the depth chart at the 'Z' receiver position but will most likely move up. Justin DeFour (6-3, 185 Jr.) the starter, suffered a sprained ankle early in the scrimmage and will be questionable for next week's opener at New Mexico.
The 'Cats were also missing starting 'x' receiver Ryan Nath, who sprained his knee last week, and starting 'f' receiver Scott Peery, who is nursing a groin pull.
Defensively, senior tackle Randy Spencer and Tevita Kafoa each had two quarterback sacks. The defense recorded six "touch sacks" in the scrimmage.
"Last year we were last in the league in sacks, and we worked hard last spring and the last two weeks to improve that area," said Graybeal. "Randy Spencer and Tevita Kafoa are both showing some senior leadership on the line with all our young players. I thought the defense played with some excellent intensity tonight."
James McCowan had the night's lone interception and showed some excellent moves returning punts. Graybeal said he's a player to keep an eye on both as a defensive back and as a return specialist.