Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Making Progress This Spring
4/15/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 15, 2006
April 15 Scrimmage Quotes (Coach Walker)
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EVANSTON, Ill. -- It was missing about 40,000 people, but on Saturday, Ryan Field welcomed football back to its grounds.
For their last scrimmage before next Saturday's spring game, Northwestern moved onto a home field that has treated them well over the last two years. The Wildcats have a 9-3 record over that span including a win over then-No. 3-ranked Ohio State.
For the youth of the 2006 edition though, this was their first under-the-helmet look at the field where they will define their college football careers.
"It really means a lot for us to come out here," head coach Randy Walker said. "Just walking in this stadium, it's different."
Both offense and defense came out sharp. The offense converted four touchdowns and a field goal on 12 drives while the defense turned in three interceptions and two sacks.
Mike Kafka, having shown his mobility last week, had an efficient passing day, completing 16-of-23 for 122 yards and a touchdown. Despite three interceptions, Kafka moved the offense consistently throughout the morning scrimmage. He completed 4-of-5 passes on the first drive and 5-of-8 for 45 yards later en route to a Tyrell Sutton touchdown catch.
C.J. Bachér and Andrew Brewer rotated in at the quarterback position as well. Bachér came alive late in the practice, completing 5-of-6 for 40 yards and a touchdown pass to junior tight end Frayne Abernathy.
Brewer dominated the ground game, rushing for 77 yards, which included a 25-yard run on a third-and-long on his first drive under center. He also attempted to perfect his Kordell Stewart impression by catching a pass at receiver.
"We `slashed' him," Walker said, referring to the versatile Stewart's nickname. "I think he's a good athlete. I think he brings some things to us and I think it's worth taking a look at."
Though easing three young quarterbacks into the system has its risks and uncertainties, Walker insists he is impressed with their play.
"I think I'm most pleased at this point with our quarterback play," he said. "You never know what to expect. They're not game-ready but we're a long way from where we were last December."
On the other side of the ball, the defense again showed spirit, both on the sideline and on the field. Sophomore safety Brendan Smith and sophomore cornerback Chaz Richart both intercepted passes. In addition, sophomore defensive end Kevin Mims and junior defensive end David Ngene highlighted the line play with their sacks.
On a day when both sides of the ball came out crisp and prepared, Randy Walker was pleased with certain aspects of the scrimmage, though they still have things to work on.
"I thought both sides had their moments and there was some good and bad," he said. "That's the nature of spring football but if you grow from it and you learn, whether you throw an interception or miss a tackle, it's about responding and growing."
For a Northwestern team trying to break in some youth and mix it with experienced talent, this spring has been about improvement, something Walker says he's seen.
"We're trying to get one step better," he said. "I think we're doing it. I think we're better this Saturday than we were last Saturday."
SCRIMMAGE STATS
PASSING -- Kafka 16-23-122, TD, 3 INT; Bachér 8-15-76, TD; Brewer 4-8-15, TD
RUSHING -- Brewer 7-77; Kafka 8-43, TD; Jordan 4-35; Bachér 4-16; Shanks 2-11; Roberson 1-(-1)
RECEIVING - Cheatham 4-28; Herbert 2-28; Jones 3-25; Ward 2-25; Thompson 5-21; Sutton 3-23, TD; Roberson 2-14; Shanks 1-13; Yarbrough 1-13; Lane 1-11; Abernathy 2-8, 2 TD; Frymire 1-7; Brewer 1-2
