Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com
Published - Sunday, April 20, 2008
Deep defense packs a punch in WSU spring game
 WSU Purple quarterback Greg Preston gets rid of the ball before he is sacked during the Warriors' spring game Saturday at Maxwell Field in Winona. (Photo by Andrew Link/Winona Daily News) |
Few teams in recent years have been able to keep up with the high-scoring Winona State University football team.
The Warriors defense can now add itself to the short list.
A cause for uncertainty when spring practices began four weeks ago, the Warriors defense turned in a strong performance Saturday in the annual WSU spring game, as purple defeated white 17-7 at Maxwell Field at Alltel Stadium.
The purple and white defenses combined for four sacks, four interceptions and two forced fumbles in the Warriors’ final tune-up before practices resume in August.
“We started pretty laid back, but then we got going,” freshman linebacker Cody Dummar said. “Our goal was to be more physical and we got going and got after each other. It was a low-scoring game it shows that we’re getting after each other, and that’s what were going to have to do in the fall.”
WSU coach Tom Sawyer said one reason for the lack of scoring was that both teams were comprised of starters and non-starters, perhaps hindering continuity on offense. Still, Sawyer said he was pleased with the strong send-off by the defense.
“When you have a mixed offensive line, mixed skill kids, the scoring is not going to be as high as it normally is,” Sawyer said. “But I’m also very excited that we have a lot of depth on our defense and that was a question mark.”
WSU freshman Ryan Jirgl had two interceptions and a sack for the purple team. Freshman Derek LaRock and sophomore John Solan also had interceptions, while freshman Matt Uhlrich, senior Drew Waters, sophomore Michael Henderson and senior Zach Voigt all had a hand in sacks.
“Throughout the spring we dealt with injuries,” Jirgl said. “So we had a lot of guys step up and take some reps. Our young guys are playing real well and our old guys are bringing them with us.”
The offense was effective in spots. Tennessee-Martin transfer Greg Preston quarterbacked the purple squad to a pair of long scoring drives.
Transfer running back Curtis Dewberry capped off a 12-play drive with a shifty eight-yard touchdown run to put the purple team up 7-0 going into the second quarter.
Dewberry, who produced a handful of highlight-reel plays, returned the ensuing kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown for the white team, although special teams plays were not tacked onto the scoreboard.
Junior wide receiver Tyree Burks hauled in a 17-yard touchdown pass from Preston midway through the fourth quarter.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Amir Ross ran in a 9-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter for the white squad’s only scoring play.
“I’m very excited about the way we competed,” Sawyer said. “I saw a lot of kids playing hard and that’s what I was after. Play hard and fast and compete. And I saw a lot of that today.”
Ross finished 13 of 23 for 108 yards and an interception and rushed six times for 25 yards and a score.
Preston finished 9-for-15 for 114 yards one touchdown and one interception.
Sophomore running back Darren Davis led all rushers with 11 carries for 42 yards. Junior Carey Rottman had four carries for 36 yards and four receptions for 32 yards. Dewberry had eight carries for 29 yards and a touchdown and returned two kicks for 121 yards and a touchdown.
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