Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Holds Annual Scrimmage at Carthage College
8/18/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 18, 2007
KENOSHA, Wis. -- Head coach Pat Fitzgerald watched his players perform for the first time this preseason in a game-like setting as the Wildcats held their annual scrimmage at Carthage College Saturday afternoon.
Rain fell almost the entire day, but NU's offense still came up with some big plays. C.J. Bachér was 9-of-12 for 106 yards through the air, including a 69-yard pass to a streaking Rasheed Ward down the right sideline, setting up a Mark Woodsum 1-yard touchdown run.
Backup quarterback Mike Kafka looked equally impressive, going 8-of-10 for 51 yards. But his biggest play came on the ground as he scampered 70 yards on the very next possession for a touchdown of his own. Freshman Dan Persa was a perfect 5-of-5 for 48 yards, which included a 22-yard pass to Sidney Stewart.
Other than Kafka's long run -- which came off a broken pass play -- NU's starting defense held its own on the ground, never allowing a run play to go for more than three or four yards while recording eight sacks in the process.
When asked about the team's low rushing totals, Fitzgerald responded, "our offense was going against a pretty good run defense. I was very happy with how our front seven did against the run today." In addition, NU's Tyrell Sutton did not play in Saturday's scrimmage.
Several other youngsters stood out, including running back Scott Concannon who caught three passes out of the backfield for 15 yards. Sidney Stewart caught two passes for 27 yards, including a 22-yarder from Persa late. Persa also had a 13-yard run on the final drive, which set up a Stefan Demos 27-yard FG.
The Wildcats will enjoy a much-deserved off day Sunday before their final two-a-day in Kenosha on Monday. They will then practice once more Tuesday morning before heading back to Evanston.
Post-Scrimmage Audio:
Coach Fitzgerald:
to Coach Fitzgerald discuss the team's progress during the week leading to the scrimmage.
to Coach Fitzgerald talk about what he liked and didn't like from Saturday's scrimmage.
to Coach Fitzgerald explain what is next for the Wildcats following Saturday's scrimmage.
Quarterback C.J. Bachér
to Bachér discuss how confident the offense is going into the start of the season.
to Bachér talk about his leadership role.
to Bachér discuss the weapons he has on offense.
Watch several sights and sounds from the Kenosha scrimmage.
