CALDWELL, Idaho – The first of two preseason intra-squad scrimmages for the College of Idaho football team featured an 85-play script – with the offense, defense and special teams all making big plays in the two-hour controlled contest.
Four different running backs scored touchdowns for the Coyote offense – which did not commit a turnover on the day and recorded at least one first down on all 10 offensive series. The defense took advantage of the quarterbacks playing in a green colored jersey – recording six coverage sacks, including a pair from
Landon Clark-Gammell and Keegan McCoy.
"I think the greatest thing from this week is we showed a lot of physical and mental toughness," said head coach
Mike Moroski. "We've never had a camp this tough, this grinding and we need it. We need the practice time and the competitive reps, so it was great to be out here for a couple hours and get some work in. I couldn't' be more pleased with the effort, with the team, with their attitude, with their work. "
Returning running backs
Nick Calzaretta and
Dominic Garzoli were sharp – Calzaretta recording a pair of 17-yard jaunts, including one for a touchdown, with Garzoli breaking off a 55-yard burst to set the stage for a touchdown by
Justin Hellyer.
Freshmen backs
Ed Osterberger and
Andrew Bergey each found paydirt – Osterberger rushing eight times for 33 yards, with Bergey gaining 33 yards on five totes.
"We have a good stable of running backs and they are doing a great job," Moroski said. "We are looking for ways to get them the ball. We will have to run the ball to win."
Starting quarterback
Darius-James Peterson played sparingly, completing two passes for 14 yards – with
Nathaniel Holcomb and
Gage Ferguson taking the bulk of the snaps – trying to determine the back-up spot. Both players were solid, as Holcomb went 7-for-8 for 55 yards and Ferguson going 4-for-4 for 28 yards – each directing long scoring drives.
"I thought the quarterback play was solid – as we are looking for a back-up quarterback and the competition there was good ," Moroski said. "I thought both lines were good, but we have to continue to make improvements. The defense ran to the ball well – we have to play fast and downhill to be successful."
Freshman signal-caller
Jacob Holcomb led all quarterbacks with 67 passing yards on six completions.
Carson Jones had four catches for 40 yards and fellow freshman
Blake Jablonski added three grabs for 43 yards – including a 30-yard reception late in the scrimmage. A total of 13 different receivers caught at least one pass.
Special teams highlights included Hellyer returning a kickoff 98-yards for a score and
Kyle Mitchell connecting on field goals of 37 and 45 yards.
The Yotes will take Monday off from practice before beginning Week 2 of camp on Tuesday – which ends Saturday with the annual Purple and Gold Scrimmage at 9 a.m.
