Aug. 23, 2008

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - While the purpose of Western Washington University's first preseason scrimmage was to give the coaching staff a good look at its new players, it was veteran starting quarterback Adam Perry who stood out Saturday night at Civic Stadium.

Perry, a senior from Longview (R.A. Long), opened the scrimmage session by directing a five-play, 70-yard scoring drive. It began with a 17-yard run by transfer running back Randall Eldridge (Jr., Lynnwood) and ended with a 25-yard pass to senior Travis McKee (Bothell), the Vikings' leading receiver the last two seasons.

Perry's next series resulted in a 39-yard field goal by Ace Younggren (Jr., Snohomish). That drive featured a 16-yard run by Eldridge and a 15-yard pass to junior transfer Augustine Agyei (Aurora, CO) from Drake.

On another drive starting from 40 yards out, Perry tossed a 20-yard pass to McKee and another covering 19 yards to tight end Logan Cullen (Sr., Anacortes), setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Eldridge.

While the offense, which returns nine starters, dominated in the first half of the 80-plus play scrimmage, the defense performed well in the second. Outside linebacker C.J. Green (Jr., Federal Way) had a tackle in the end zone for a safety and freshman Dustin Adams intercepted a pass.

"The offense came out strong at the beginning and the defense was a little flat, but it made plays later on," said Western head coach Robin Ross. "We need to work on our tempo on both sides of the ball."

"It was exciting to see our young players. The scrimmage certainly achieved its purpose of seeing where we are and where we need to go."

Junior quarterback Cole Morgan (Seattle/Ballard), a transfer from Washington State, threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Hekker (Jr., Bothell). Highlighting that drive was a 22-yard run by redshirt freshman running back Kevin Sampson (Seattle/Rainier Beach).

True freshman running back Domenique Hill (Fr., Portland, OR/Mountain View) scored on a 1-yard run. He finished with 43 yards on 11 carries.

Younggren also kicked a 23-yard field goal and Josh Lider (Jr., Bellevue/Sammamish) connected on a 36-yard effort.

Performing well on special teams were Jordan Carey (Jr., Olympia/Capital), a transfer from Oregon, and Agyei, who each had long kickoff returns.

Perry finished 10-of-16 for 112 yards passing and McKee had three catches for 57 yards.

Western has a second scrimmage slated for Friday, Aug. 29. The Vikings open their regular season at home on Sept. 6 (7 p.m.) with a Great Northwest Athletic Conference game against Western Oregon.