The NAU football team held its spring game at noon April 24 at Coconino High School’s Cromer Stadium. The scrimmage was the team’s last official practice until the Lumberjacks return for camp in August.

“There are obviously things we still need to tighten down and improve on,” said head coach Jerome Souers. “But in 15 practices … I think we progressed the way that we needed to.”

Wide receiver Daiveun Curry-Chapman holds onto the ball while getting tackled off the field by three of his teammates during the spring game at Coconino High School April 24. The spring game was an hour-long scrimmage open to the public. NAU will start 2010 play Sept. 2 in the Walkup Skydome. Matt Beaty / The Lumberjack

The game was between NAU’s offense and defense; both units were essentially divided into starters and non-starters. The scrimmage was an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and fight for a starting spot on next fall’s roster.

“I thought it went well,” said senior quarterback Michael Herrick. “I thought our offense started off really strong, and we came out and did the things that we wanted to do. The defense is good; that’s one of the better d-lines we’re going to see, I think.”

The defensive unit was led by redshirt junior defensive lineman Alec Hutton, who recorded six tackles, including four for a loss.
“It was fun to come out here and play today,” Hutton said. “This was my first spring game; I didn’t get to do it last year since I had to redshirt. I’m just trying to learn everything.”

Other defensive standouts included redshirt freshman linebacker Nathan Johnson — who recorded five tackles — and redshirt junior defensive back Darren Watson — who made a diving interception to haul in the game’s only turnover.

“We’re really excited about the depth and the prospects in the defensive line,” said Bill Smith, defensive line coach. “I thought we might be able to get more pressure on the passer, but I think that’s [also a] credit to the offensive line.”

NAU’s offense scored 33 points in the 60-minute controlled scrimmage. Highlights from the game included junior redshirt wide receiver Khalil Paden, a transfer from San Jose State who had three catches for 110 yards, and a 70-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Chasen Stangel. Herrick went 8 for 10 on passing for 99 yards with one touchdown, and junior kicker Matt Myers made four field goals, including a 51-yard attempt.

“From my seat, you need to see plays on both sides of the ball,” Souers said. “We got a lot of schemes that we needed to practice and work on. It was just a good exchange, some good football being played on both sides of the ball.”

NAU begins the 2010 season next fall on Sept. 2 against Western New Mexico in the Walkup Skydome.