Gordon, Cougar offense heat up

PULLMAN — The Washington State offense combined for eight passing touchdowns while the defense tallied five sacks and two takeaways in the Cougars’ second scrimmage of the fall Saturday afternoon at Martin Stadium.

Quarterback Anthony Gordon led the way, going 15 of 22 for 173 yards and three touchdowns while Gage Gubrud, a grad transfer from Eastern Washington, went 16 of 27 for 144 yards and four touchdowns. Cammon Cooper also went 6 of 8 for 72 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown pass to Zion Sorani. Running back Cole Dubots tallied a 3-yard touchdown run and quarterback Gunner Cruz scored on an 8-yard scramble.

For the second straight scrimmage, Rodrick Fisher (East Valley High) led the wideouts with five catches for 68 yards and a pair of touchdown grabs (25, 16). Easop Winston Jr. added four catches including a 3-yard touchdown, Dezmon Patmon went four catches for 54 yards, Calvin Jackson Jr. added four catches for 50 yards including a 10-yard touchdown and Tay Martin also had four catches for 24 yards including a two-yard scoring catch. Renard Bell and Deon McIntosh each caught touchdowns.

Linebacker Justus Rogers started the day with a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown and later in the day linebacker Sky Stefonic forced a fumble that safety Chad Davis Jr. corralled and returned 50 yards for a score.

In the kicking game, Blake Mazza connected on 3 of 4 attempts, hitting from 40, 46 and 50 but missed from 52 yards. Jack Crane was good from 40 and 50 yards but missed from 46 and 42 yards. Freshman kicker Dean Janikowski capped the scrimmage with a 40-yard field goal.

WSU opens Aug. 31 at home vs. New Mexico State.