Football Closes Out Spring with Dave Kragthorpe Classic

POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State football finished spring football with its third and final scrimmage Saturday afternoon at Holt Arena.
 
The Bengal offense produced 472 yards, five touchdowns and a field goal. The ISU defense had five sacks and two interceptions.
 
Head Coach Mike Kramer was pleased with the progress of the team after four weeks of practice.
 
"Three scrimmages in, with this team, I am ok with where we are at," Kramer said. "Compared to years past I am ecstatic. Compared to this year, the quality, the caliber and what I think the ability is of this team, I am ok."
 
The receiving corps had a strong performance led by CJ Hatchett and Broc Malcom. Hatchett had four receptions for 89 yard and two touchdowns. Malcolm had two receptions but both went for touchdowns. He had a 71-yard touchdown in the first half and a 32-yard touchdown in the second for a total of 102 yards.
 
Thirteen receivers made catches for a total of 394 yards. KW Williams had two catches for 23 yards but Kramer said his impact could be big for the Bengals going forward.
 
"At the end of 15 practices we have begun the replacement of Luke Austin," Kramer said. "Out of Rodrick Rumbles numbers and Josh Hill's numbers, Luke Austin was the most valuable player because he was running the routes in the middle. One thing I saw today that I really enjoyed was KW Williams, fearless, running in the middle as a big, strong physical guy."
 
Justin Arias had a strong performance under center. The redshirt senior was nine-for-20 for 233 yards and two touchdowns.
 
"I thought Justin took advantage of the fact that the receivers were more and more confident in what they were doing," Kramer said. "We pushed past the secondary."
 
James Delacenserie performed admirably as the signal caller for the second team offense. He was 12-for-23 for 161-yards and one touchdown. He was intercepted twice.
 
"I think James will be ok but I think (incoming freshman) Tanner Gueller will come in and compete," Kramer said. "I have said that since the day I signed him."
 
Xavier Finney led the rushing attack with 41 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.  Braeden Mitchell had 29 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.  Idaho State had a total of 78 yards rushing.
 
The Bengal defense was particularly strong in the second half. All five sacks and both interceptions came after the break.
 
Jeremiah Hazard, Tyler Kuder, Sage Warner, Derek Berrey and Erik Nelson all recorded sacks.
 
"I am real proud of our defense because there were several sacks that I did not blow dead in the first half that ended up in longer plays," Kramer said. "I wanted to see the receivers play beyond the whistle. I took some sacks away from the defense.
 
"The one thing we are not defensively yet is a real good sack team. I wanted to see that in the second half and I thought I saw that."
 
Nelson added a 21-yard interception return to his sack. CJ Langlow also had an interception with a two-yard return.
 
The scrimmage marked an end to a productive spring for ISU. Kramer believes that this team continues to improve in areas beyond the field.
 
"It was a great spring and a great group of players," Kramer said. "I am very happy where we are with the core of our team academically, socially and athletically. We have the cornerstones laid. Now it is time to get on the field and play that way."
 
Idaho State opens the 2014 season Aug. 28 in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah.
 

Statistics

Passing
Justin Arias ... 9-20, 233-yards, 2 touchdowns, sacked twice
James Delacenserie...12-23, 161-yards, 1 touchdown, 2 INTs, sacked three times
 
Rushing
Braeden Mitchell ...10 car, 29-yds, 1 touchdown
Xavier Finney ... 9 Car, 41-yds, 1 touchdown, 1 fumble (recovered by offense)
Daniel McSurdy  ...11 Car, 36-yds
Justin Arias ... 4 car, -10 yards
James Delacenserie ... 4 car -18
Team ...2 car, -5 ydsReceiving
Sage Burmeister ... 2 rec, 10-yds
Kai Campbell ...1 rec, 3-yds
Xavier Finney ...1 rec, 5 yds
KW Williams ... 2 rec, 23 yds
Madison Mangum ... 2 rec, 82 yds
Daniel McSurdy ...1 rec, 2 yds
Tyler Graves ... 2 rec, 34 yds
CJ Hatchett ... 4 rec, 89 yds, touchdown
Broc Malcom ... 2 rec, 103 yds, 2 touchdowns
Braeden Mitchell ...1 rec, 3 yds
Domenic Toliver ...1 rec, 10 yds
Josh Cook  ...1 rec, 17 yds
Cole Robinson ...1 rec, 13 ydsField Goals
C.J. Reyes ... 1-1, 3-4 PAT
Good from 29, missed from 48 yds
 
Defense
Sacks
Jeremiah Hazard (-5), Tyler Kuder(-11), Derek Berrey(-5), Erik Nelson(-8), Sage Warner(-9)
 
Interceptions
Erik Nelson (21-yd return), CJ Langlow (2-yd return)
 
Defensive penalties
Four, 30 yards
 
Offensive penalties
Two, 10 yards