Akey: Defense steps upin Vandals' scrimmage | Idaho Statesman

MOSCOW — The Idaho Vandals scrimmage on Saturday was exactly what football coach Robb Akey wanted to see: An improved effort by the defense and continued progress on offense.

"It was a good outing," Akey said. "Both sides of the ball did some good things. The defense performed better today. Last week they were hurting.

"If one side was always having success, you'd be very concerned about the other side. I like the way the defensive kids responded. The offensive guys still made some nice plays today."

Redshirt freshman Nathan Enderle took snaps as the No. 1 quarterback. He completed 3-of-9 passes with an interception, but was plagued by a couple of dropped balls. He also had four rushes for 4 net yards, with a long of 13.

Akey liked his ability to call the signals. "He's doing a nice job. He conducted himself pretty well out there,'' the coach said.

Junior college transfer Luke Tracy was 7-of-8 for 63 yards with a TD strike to Daniel Hardy, while senior Brian Nooy was 2-of-6 for 24 yards and a TD.

Redshirt freshman running back Andre Harris had 67 yards on 12 carries. "He's got some power to him. He's improving every day,'' Akey said.

The most notable progress was that of the defense, which last week allowed nine touchdowns and two field goals. This week, the total was five touchdowns and two field goals, and it produced a score of its own on Rory Fawley's 61-yard interception return.

"We knew we had to come out here and give a better effort," said linebacker Brandon Ogletree, who had an interception.

Idaho wraps up spring drills with Friday's Silver and Gold Scrimmage. Kickoff is 8 p.m. MDT.

Scrimmage box score, Sports 7