Defense edges offense in Tech spring scrimmage

The defense held a slight edge over the offense Saturday morning as the Montana Tech football team marked the midway point of spring drills with a scrimmage at the HPER Field.

The Oredigger defense outscored the offense 30-27 using a scoring system devised by Tech coaches.

The offense was awarded the standard points — six for a touchdown, one or two for points after and three for field goals. The defense got two points each series stop, three for turnovers and three for holding on fourth down.

“It was an outstanding second scrimmage,” Oredigger coach Bob Green said. “There were some big hits out there. There were some licks.” Though the defensive players hold bragging rights until the third scrimmage next Saturday, which will likely be played at Alumni Coliseum, Green said he saw progress being made on both sides of the ball.

“In the big picture, we really flew around and there were some crashes —both with offense guys initiating contact and defensive guys initiating contact,” Green said. “I really liked the level of impacts.” Green praised the play of both his quarterbacks, junior Hunter Kerkes and sophomore Matt Komac.

Komac, who emerged as the starter last season, tossed a TD passes to senior Alex Grevas. Redshirt freshman Jareth Wilson made an acrobatic catch for a TD from Kerkes.

Komac also scrambled for a touchdown, while Deer Lodge sophomore Skyler Knuchel, whose hard running stood out all game, scored on a short run.

“Skyler showed exceptional balance,” said Green, who also singled out running backs Drew Savage, a sophomore, and Cole Berg, a redshirt freshman.

Junior linebacker Joel Wilson picked off a Komac pass, giving the defense three points. The defense also forced and recovered a pair of turnovers.

The Orediggers are trying to replace 17 seniors from last year’s squad that just missed the playoffs. The defense was hit hardest by those departures, and green said he saw a lot of encouragement from the guys filling those shoes.

Green pointed to junior John Gallatin, experienced senior Britt Siddoway and Butte sophomore Stephan Burns for reasons for hope on the defensive line. Green also mentioned redshirt freshman inside linebacker Matt Wicks and sophomore outside backer Shawn Harcharik as having a big day.

“In the secondary we continued to show our youth at cornerback,” Green said. “But we showed some ability there.” The Orediggers have experience at safety in Butte senior Cole Salo, junior Scott Gerken and Butte sophomore Jake Stagnoli, who also worked out at nickel back.

Green also said his team is making strides in terms of leadership, pointing to Butte junior offensive lineman Matt Crowe.

The Orediggers will use Saturday’s scrimmage to build toward the April 26 spring game.

“We’ll hit this next week and come out with a lot of knowledge and preparation,” Green said. “Now is where we really make time.” The Orediggers open the regular season Aug. 28, when they welcome Southern Oregon to Alumni Coliseum for a Thursday night game.