Fresno State Athletics
Hard Hits and Tough Bulldog Defense Highlight First Scrimmage
8/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2005
FRESNO, Calif. - After just seven days of the 2005 Bulldog football camp, the squad looks as intense as any in recent memory. Head coach Pat Hill was pleased with the team's effort, especially the hitting and intensity shown during Sunday night's scrimmage, the team's first of the fall training camp.
"Our defense looked very good tonight," said Hill. "There were a lot of hard hits from both sides of the ball. The defense pursued well and played very, very physical. In my nine years, this is the best and most intense first scrimmage we've ever had."
The Bulldogs ran nearly 90 plays in the scrimmage, covering several different situations, including "compete zone" and goal line situations.
Leading the way for the Bulldog defense were the usual cast members of preseason WAC Defensive Player of the Year Garrett McIntyre, All-WAC cornerback Richard Marshall and returning middle linebacker Dwayne Andrews, who continues to have an excellent fall camp. Marshall put on a tackling demonstration with many key stops and used his speed to track down Bulldog backs.
The Bulldog offense had its moments, especially under the command of quarterback Paul Pinegar. Pinegar was exceptionally sharp, completing 11-of-12 passes for 182. His only mistake was an interception by Emanuel Sanchez on a two-point conversion attempt. Pinegar showed fine touch on several mid-range passes, connecting with tight end Devyn McDonald with a 19-yard strike, receiver Paul Williams for a 20- yarder on an out rout. His best pass of the day was a 52-yard connection with Jaron Fairman, threading the ball over the outstretched hand of Marshall. He later found Fairman again on the 36-yard strike.
Several young Bulldogs excited the crowd of nearly 700 fans at Bulldog Staduim. Freshman running back Rich Owens had several big runs, including one 57-yard dash down the sideline. Sophomore Clifton Smith showed why he may be one of the most exciting players on the roster with his explosiveness. Late in the scrimmage, Smith scored the first touchdown on a 6 yard run around the right end carrying cornerback Damon Jenkins into the end zone. Wendell Mathis added a 25 yard touchdown dash a few minutes later. Mathis finished the night with eight rushes for 53 yards and one touchdown.
The Bulldogs had three field goal opportunities. Junior Clint Stitser made two his his attempts, hitting from 41 and 40-yards. He missed a 39-yard attempt.
The Dogs return to practice Monday evening. Their next scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, August 20, at 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium. It will be the first annual Fan Appreciation Scrimmage. There will be prizes and special promotions during the scrimmage plus special deals on season tickets. Tailgating is available in the Red, White and Blue lots. Admission for the tailgating and the scrimmage are free.
Season tickets, including student season tickets and several Family Value Plans, are available at the Bulldog Ticket Office, by phone at (559) 278-DOGS or on-line at gobulldogs.com.
