A fast-starting offense was stymied by a defense that gained momentum from the second quarter on in an intrasquad football scrimmage to wrap up San Jose State University's 10-days preseason practice at Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif.
More than 80 players saw action in the 83-play scrimmage in the Redwood Bowl, the preseason home for the Spartans for the second consecutive year.
"We got to play a lot of people, which was the goal. It was our first time going 'live' for a bulk of our guys and it was great to be under the lights," said San Jose State football head coach Brent Brennan who was appreciative University President Dr. Mary A. Papazian and her husband Dennis traveling to Humboldt State for the scrimmage and addressing the football team. Humboldt State President Dr. Tom Jackson served as the university host.
On the fourth play, quarterback Natano Woods seeing his most extensive action in a Spartan intrasquad scrimmage, connected with redshirt freshman on a 75-yard pass play for the first touchdown of the evening. Woods would go to complete 11-of-20 passes with an interception for 136 yards and a touchdown.
The ground game also was productive early with Shamar Garrett finding holes. His 25-yard run on his second carry was the longest dash from scrimmage by a Spartan in the Redwood Bowl. Garrett finished with 48-yards on seven carries in one half of action.
Despite the early big plays, the defense began to assert itself near the end of the first quarter and did not allow a score after Matt Mercurio's 25-yard first-quarter field goal.
Overall, the defense kept the offense from scoring on 14 possessions, came up with nine quarterback sacks, and scored once when Elijah Wood picked off a Walker Eget pass and ran 50 yards for a score. Wood was credited with two of the nine sacks. Six other Spartans were in on at least one sack of quarterbacks Woods, Eget, and Jalen Hamler.
"Right now, I think Coach Odum and the staff have done a great job building the defense and putting the right pieces in place and getting everybody in a situation where we can play effective defense," Brennan said.
"We have a lot of guys competing for positions and that raises the level of competition to get on the field. It's really good to see the enthusiasm and that the guys really know what they are doing out there," said Odum, ready for his fifth year as the Spartans' defensive coordinator. He also was encouraged by the veteran players helping out the younger players as much as they have during spring practice, summer workouts, and fall preseason camp.
"It was all about communicating and making sure we understood our assignments in order so we can play fast," said veteran defensive lineman E.J. Ane, who was in on the sack parade in the first half.
The Spartans return to San Jose on Sunday, August 8 and begin on-campus practices Tuesday, August 10. San Jose State opens its 2021 season, Saturday, August 28, hosting Southern Utah in a 7:00 p.m. non-conference contest. Season tickets for the San Jose State University football six-game home schedule are available by visiting https://am.ticketmaster.com/sjsuathletics/21football or by calling 408-924-7589.
Scoring summary
Offense - Terence Loville, 75-yard pass from Natano Woods (Matt Mercurio kick)
Offense - Matt Mercurio, 25-yard field goal
Defense - Elijah Wood, 50-yard interception return (No PAT)
Rushing (41-66-no TDs)
Shamar Garrett, 7-48; Brendan Manigo, 8-41; Walker Eget, 3-23; Kenyon Sims, 9-17; Jakai Torres, 1-4; Jalen Hamler, 6-(-32); Natano Woods, 7- (-35).
Passing (25-42-2-247-1 TD)
Natano Woods, 11-20-1-136; Walker Eget, 10-15-1-63; Jalen Hamler, 4-7-0-48
Receiving (25-247-1 TD)
Kenyon Sims, 6-35; Chance La Chapelle, 6-33; Terence Loville, 4-92-1 TD; Jackson Canaan, 2-23;
Malikhi Miller, 2-17; Branden Alvarez, 2-13; Sam Olson, 1-17; Shamar Garrett, 1-(-4).
Field Goals (1-2)
Matt Mercurio, 25, good; 57, no good.
Interceptions (2-50, 1 TD)
Elijah Wood, 1-50, 1 TD; Jalen Bainer, 1-0.
Quarterback Sacks – 9.
Elijah Wood, 2; E.J. Ane, Christian Webb, Tre Smith, Soane Toia, Josh Gomez, 1, each. Team, 2.
Penalties
Offense – 3-20; Defense, 1-15.