Aug. 25, 2004
Pocatello, ID---The future is in good hands, which is a good thing for Idaho State football as for some the future is now. The freshmen and sophomores took center stage in the final fall scrimmage, as the offense scored three touchdowns, including a lightning strike on the opening drive that took just three plays.
Matt Hagler firmly entrenched himself as the heir apparent to Mark Hetherington at quarterback, throwing for 185 yards on 10-of-16 passing, including a touchdown. Coming out on the opening drive, he completed both of his passes, including a 61-yard bomb to Akilah Lacey. True freshman Josh Barnett, who took the bulk of the carries, then ran around everybody for an 18-yard touchdown.
The defense responded over the next seven drives, allowing just three first downs and just 86 yards of offense. True freshman D.J. Clark also picked off a Joey Edmunds pass near the sidelines. Hagler however ended the first half with another long scoring drive, this time 75 yards. He hit Brandon Mennear for a 45-yard gain, then came back to freshman tight end Jon winn for 11. He capped it with a 23-yard pass to another freshman, Eddie Thompson.
The rookies got their chance as the Bengals held out most off their upperclassmen, especially on offense. Mark Hetherington didn't play, and Sale' Key, David Beverly, Steve Burch and the likes took only a handful of reps. Still the offense did well, as ISU's four quarterbacks (Hagler, Joey Edmunds, Brian Zeches, and Luc Martin, went 25-for-43 combined with 324 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Eddie Thompson had five catches for a team high 81 yards, and Mennear chipped in three grabs for 63. Josh Barnett led all rushers with 56 yards on just nine carries.
The Bengals will hold a mock scrimmage on Saturday night, August 28 at 6:00 pm in Holt Arena. That practice will cap a fun day of football in Holt Arena, as the F.A.T. Challenge Punt, Pass, and Kick competition will take place from 2-5 pm.
Passing
Matt Hagler 10-16, 185 yards, TD
Joey Edmunds 4-8, 57 yards, TD, INT
Brian Zeches 7-13, 50 yards
Luc Martin 4-6, 24 yards
Team Totals 25-43, 326 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Receiving
Eddie Thompson 5-81
Brandon Mennear 3-63
Jon Winn 3-21
Bryce Metcalf 2-8
Akilah Lacey 1-61
Justyn Gillish 1-7
Ken Cornist 1-7
Hunter Rodriguez 1-5
Kenyon Blue 1-5
Shedrack Okoebor 1-1
Colin Poe 1-1
Rushing
Josh Barnett 9-56
George Barnes 1-5
Brian Zeches 1-5
Ken Cornist 2-3
Kenyon Blue 9-(-13)
Team Totals 22-56
DEFENSE STATS
Sacks: Mike Rose, Hunter Sims
Forced Fumbles: Hunter Sims
Fumble Recoveries: Josh Galloway
Interceptions: DJ Clark
Passes Defended: DJ Clark, Chris Ruiz
SPECIAL TEAMS STATS
Punting: Kyle McQuown, 14 punts, 623 yards, 44.5 average
Kicking: Jaret Johnson 37G (7-8 in preseason); Ryan Slack 37WL (6-8 in preseason)
