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There was enough success to go all the way around Saturday as Southern Utah wrapped up fall camp with its final full scrimmage before the season-opener against Dixie State, Sept. 3.
The defense had easily its best scrimmage of the fall, keeping the offense out of the end zone after the opening drive, but the offense had its moments as well, as did special teams.
"We had a lot more enthusiasm today," senior Chad Westwood said of his unit's performance. "We're through two-a-days, it's our final scrimmage of the fall and we're looking forward to a couple of days off, so I think everyone just figured we might as well leave everything out on the field."
Westwood certainly did his part. The senior from Cedar City (Cedar High School) tallied eight tackles on the day, including two-and-a-half sacks and six total tackles for losses. Junior defensive back D.J. Lucchesi also had eight tackles, while sophomore linebacker Brady Arnold had seven, with a tackle for loss; and redshirt freshman linebacker Rickey Clark tallied six tackles, including one-and-a-half sacks. Sophomore Tyson Turley had four tackles to go with the only interception of the day.
Part of the success of the defense is attributable to the success of the offense, Head Coach Ed Lamb said. In last week's scrimmage "the offense executed its plays well and put pressure on the defense to respond," Lamb pointed out. "The defense practiced with a lot of purpose this week. I think motivation was a lot of [the defense's success Saturday]."
There was success to be had on the offensive side of the ball as well. For the second straight week the Thunderbirds were able to move the ball both through the air and on the ground. Senior Cade Cooper – who took the large majority of snaps at quarterback – completed 18-of-26 passes for 161 yards, and he spread it around, hooking up with nine different receivers. Fesi Sitake had seven receptions for 62 yards while Jared Ursua had five catches for 49 yards.
Sophomore running back Austin Minefee was the team's top rusher for the second week in a row, carrying 14 times for 116 yards and the scrimmage's only touchdown, a 34-yard romp off right tackle to cap the opening drive. Minefee carried five times for 49 yards in that eight play, 80-yard drive.
"Austin had another great scrimmage," Cooper said. "In the first drive and then in one when we were going north in the hurry-up [offense], he really stood out. He's brought his level up to where the whole team sees what he can do when he gets the ball. He sees the hole and he gets yardage, which opens it up for the passing game."
On special teams the Thunderbirds again looked solid as well. Ryan Griffith hit the only extra point of the day and nailed his only field goal attempt, a 39-yarder, while A.J. Forestiere hit a 30-yard field goal. Punter Trevor Ward averaged 41.5 yards per kick, with a long of 56 yards. And on practically the only live return of the spring, Ursua returned a kickoff 32 yards.
All this prompted Westwood to proclaim that the team is ready to play someone else.
"I think every team in the country is ready to go against someone other than their own teammates," he pointed out. "We're looking forward to playing Dixie and I know they feel the same way. It's going to be fun for us and fun for both communities to come out and see what the two teams look like."