PROVO -- The Cougars participated in a 75-play, situational scrimmage on Saturday, giving head coach Gary Crowton an updated look at the developing offense. Saturday's scrimmage proved a little costly for the Cougars, losing one of their quarterback contenders for the remainder of spring practice.
"I think we're coming along," Crowton said. "I'm feeling like the offense is learning a little more each day and we are making some nice progress. Today's scrimmage kind of gave us a good idea where we are in the learning process. I thought we really moved the ball well in situations and made some nice decisions. Our quarterbacks are getting a good feel for what is supposed to be going on and that has really added to our progress. "
In his final series of the afternoon, senior quarterback Charlie Peterson fractured his left clavicle in a ferocious collision as he was scrambling up the sideline for extra yards. Peterson will miss the remainder of spring practice and will be out of action for 4-6 weeks. According to head trainer George Curtis, Peterson will be ready to go for fall camp. Prior to the injury, Peterson recorded 87 yards on eight completions, including a 35-yard pickup to sophomore receiver Toby Christensen.
Brandon Doman recorded a scrimmage-best 100 yards passing on seven completions, including a nine-yard pass to senior receiver Justin Anderson. The senior quarterback also carried the ball four times for 23 yards, including a five-yard touchdown run on his next-to-last series. All totaled, Doman competed in five different series, all against the first-team defense. The Doman-led offense recorded all six touchdowns scored in the scrimmage, including three straight touchdowns in a goal-line series.
Running back Brian McDonald turned in an all-star-like performance against the first-team defense, recording 54 yards on 12 carries, along with 42 yards on one reception. In addition to his 96 all-purpose yards, the 5-foot-10, 210-pound senior recorded four rushing TDs, including runs of five, three, five, two and three yards.
"Usually in a scrimmage situation, the defense has a little advantage, especially during spring scrimmages and the fact we are still learning to offense," Crowton said. "We were working on some things today that kind of eliminated that advantage, but I was still very impressed with the way the defense played. I think our defense, especially the ends and linebackers, are going to be very good."
Freshman C.J. Ay You, who plans to serve a church mission following spring practice, recorded two sacks and one fumble recovery on the day, while Colby Bockwoldt and Brady Poppinga each had a sack for the defense. Linebacker Bill Wright recorded the only interception of the afternoon.
Individual Stats
Passing (Att-Comp-Yds-Int-TD-Sacks)
Brandon Doman (14-7-100-0-1-0)
Charlie Peterson (17-8-87-1-0-4)
Todd Mortensen (11-3-17-0-0-0)
Combined (42-)18-204-1-1-4)
Rushing (Att-Yds-TD)
Brian McDonald (12-54-4)
Brandon Doman (4-23-1)
Charlie Peterson (3-11-0)
Chris Stevens (1-7-0)
Paul Peterson (2-3-0)
Todd Mortensen (1-3-0)
Logan Deans (3-0-0)
Combined (26-101-5)
Receiving (Rec-Yds-TD)
Toby Christensen (2-50-0)
Brian McDonald (1-42-0)
Pat Williams (3-24-0)
Justin Anderson (2-17-1)
Mike Rigell (2-17-0)
Gabriel Reid (1-12-0)
Logan Deans (1-9-0)
Justin Jory (1-7-0)
Soren Halladay (1-7-0)
Ryan Slater (1-6-0)
Spencer Nead (1-5-0)
Ned Stearns (1-5-0)
Zac Collie (1-4-0)
Paul Peterson (1-(-1)-0)
Combined (18-204-1)
Defense (Sacks-INT-FR)
C.J. AhYou (2-0-1)
Colby Bockwoldt (1-0-0)
Brady Poppinga (1-0-0)
Bill Wright (0-1-0)
Combined (4-1-1)