Defense Bounces Back in Football Scrimmage

Marcus Arroyo led the offense to a pair of scoring drives.

After allowing the offense to score on its first two possessions, the defense recorded seven consecutive stops on downs and scored on an 88-yard interception return by linebacker Luke LaHerran during the first San Jose State University football scrimmage of the spring practice season.

Sophomore Clarence Cunningham scored on a 6-yard run and quarterback Marcus Arroyo completed a 4-yard pass to wide receiver Juan Walden for the offense’s two scores early in the 50-play scrimmage.

Later, in goal line situations, Lance Martin scored on runs of 5 and 2 yards.

However, the defense took control of the scrimmage after Arroyo, who was 4-of-4 for 46 yards and the one touchdown pass, completed his work. Quarterbacks Beau Pierce and Scott Rislov, Arroyo’s chief competition for the number-one job, combined to complete 5-of-14 passes for 50 yards. Pierce and Rislov each threw an interception.

LaHerran’s interception return was the only score by the defense in the scrimmage. Cornerback Shaun Fletcher came up with the defense’s first interception prior to LaHerran’s play. The defense also came up with four quarterback sacks.

Martin was the leading rusher in the scrimmage with eight carries for 37 yards. Cunningham also carried eight times for 35 yards.

Senior wide receiver Charles Pauley was the top pass receiver with four receptions for 59 yards.

Scrimmage statistics

Rushing
Lance Martin, 8-37; Clarence Cunningham, 8-35; Anthony Ferrera, 3-11, Scott Rislov, 6-5; Beau Pierce, 3-4; Marcus Arroyo, 1-(-5).

Passing
Marcus Arroyo, 4-4-0-46 yards, one touchdown; Beau Pierce, 3-7-1-35 yards, no touchdowns; Scott Rislov, 2-7-1-15 yards, no touchdowns

Receiving
Charles Pauley, 4-59; Tuati Wooden, 2-16; Lance Martin, 2-17; Juan Walden, 1-4.