3 INTs, 5 sacks lead defense to victory
If Saturday's Spring Game is any indication of things to come this fall, one thing is certain: The Wildcat football program will draw a crowd.
Arizona held its annual Spring Game Saturday afternoon in front of about 5,500 fans at Arizona Stadium. Last year, 450 fans showed up for the scrimmage.
"There was a lot of people out here and it's good to see we have the support of our fans," sophomore safety Darrell Brooks said. "We hope we came out and proved that (we) were worthy for them to come out and watch us."
The scrimmage matched the offense against the defense in a point system that saw the defense win 26-20.
"We felt good and thought we got better throughout the spring. We still have a long way to go, but we showed some good signs of improvement," head coach Mike Stoops said. "I thought we played solid on both sides."
Scoring for the offense was tallied the same as a regular season game. The defense earned points for keeping the offense from scoring and causing turnovers.
The defense recorded three interceptions, five sacks and forced the offense to punt after just three plays to earn the win.
"We have made gigantic strides," Brooks said. "Guys are gaining concepts and getting comfortable with the defensive schemes. Things are starting to come together and people are starting to make plays."
Brooks had one of the defense's three picks, with junior safety Tony Wingate and sophomore linebacker Marquell Stinson grabbing the others.
Redshirt freshman Dane Krogstad led the team with two sacks and junior linebacker Kirk Johnson, sophomore safety Lamon Means and Wingate each had seven tackles to pace the defense.
"I don't know if we have a bunch of superstars, but I think as a group they've adapted to the system well throughout the spring," said Stoops about the defense.
On the offensive side, the Wildcats scored two touchdowns and kicked two field goals.
Freshman Kris Heavner took most of the reps behind center, completing 12 of 25 passes for 101 yards while throwing two picks.
Redshirt freshman Ryan O'Hara went 6-for-9 for 100 yards and threw for Arizona's first offensive points on a 71-yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver Mike Jefferson.
Jefferson also scored the Wildcats' other touchdown, a 39-yard strike from redshirt freshman Richard Kovalcheck. Kovalcheck ended the game 3-for-3 for 60 yards.
Sophomore Nic Costa was 7-for-13 for 57 yards and an interception in his quarterback appearances, and sophomore walk-on Adam Austin closed out the game completing 3 of 5 passes for 20 yards.
Eleven receivers caught passes, with junior tight end Steve Fleming leading the way with seven catches for 46 yards. Freshman receiver Syndric Steptoe added six catches for 59 yards. Jefferson ended the day with three receptions for 126.
Sophomore running back Mike Bell led the Arizona rushing attack with 64 yards on 14 carries.
Freshman Nicholas Folk converted both Arizona field goals, hitting one from 29 yards and another from 51 to close out the scrimmage.
Freshman Adam Goldstein missed a 29-yard attempt.
"I think we've gotten a lot better as far as offense, focus, defense, tackling - everything," Jefferson said.
The Wildcats won't have another official practice until August, but many players believe most of the team will stay in Tucson over the summer and work out together - something that both coaches and players agree is necessary for the Arizona team to improve from last season's 2-10 showing.
"For any success for this team to have, it's paramount that we have a great summer," Stoops said. "We have a lot to do, but our players have shown a great attitude and great work ethic. This will be a much different football team when they come back in August."