Vandals set for spring game tonight
MOSCOW — Spring football wraps up at the University of Idaho with the annual Silver and Gold scrimmage tonight and head coach Paul Petrino says it has been a productive spring for the Vandals — one where they would focus more on every detail of the game instead of every detail in how to practice correctly.
Part of the reason is a large group of returning players. The rest is the team clearly understand the expectations as Petrino heads into his fourth season as head coach.
The scrimmage begins at 7 p.m. and is part of a wrapup weekend that also includes a Friday afternoon block party in downtown Moscow as well as a golf tournament, football fan seminar, and scholarship-funding banquet and auction — all on Saturday.
The focus tonight will be on error-free execution, energy and enthusiasm.
“We’ve been playing hard; we’ve been working hard,” Petrino said. “It would be great to see no assignment errors and play the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”
During the offseason, Petrino welcomed a new coach to the staff. The addition of linebackers coach Troy Purcell, who has the inside group, will help in the move to defensive coordinator Mike Breske’s move to the 3-4 alignment. While Purcell is new to the group, Eric Brown returns for his fourth season at Idaho.
With Purcell added to the staff, some re-alignment occurred on the offensive side of the ball with former receivers coach Charley Molnar taking over the quarterbacks and Petrino assuming the added task of coaching the receivers.
No matter which position they coach, Petrino’s staff is finding veterans who can make an impact returning. The offensive line has center Steve Matlock back along with Jordan Rose, Calvin White and Mason Woods. Freshman Noah Johnson is providing strong competition to fill one of the line positions.
This spring, they’ve provided the protection for sophomore Jake Luton and redshirt freshman Gunnar Amos, who’ve taken all the snaps while returning two-year starter Matt Linehan recovers from surgery to his foot. No matter who is at quarterback, the weapons have been plenty with dual threat Deon Watson (tight end/receiver) along with Callen Hightower and Trent Cowan back at receiver. Newcomer Alfonso Onowor has impressed with his ability. In the backfield, Aaron Duckworth — the primary backup to Elijhaa Penny in 2015 — is being challenged by Isaiah Saunders and Denzal Brantley.
Defensively, Tueni Lupeamanu is making an impression up front and Glen Antoine has been a mainstay. Jack Bamis made a seamless move to linebacker much the same as Khalin Smith did last fall when he went across the line from tight end to defensive end/buck linebacker. Linebacker Tony Lashley and cornerback-turned-safety Jayshawn Jordan both are back after sitting out 2015 with injury and have had noteworthy springs. There are expectations of more great things from linebacker Kaden Elliss, who had a sterling true freshman campaign in 2015, and cornerback Dorian Clark.
Also back — for the last time, is senior kicker/punter Austin Rehkow, who proved last year he is one of the best in the country at both positions.
“The older kids who have been in the program are doing a good job of leading,” Petrino said. “They’re leading by example. They’re working hard and playing with passion.”
Idaho opens the 2016 season at home against Montana State on Sept. 1 in the annual Tackle Cancer game.