Vancouver, WA -
David Jones caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from
Thomas Carter on a slotback option play with 36 seconds left in the Portland State Spring Game, giving the Viking offense a 20-13 win over the Viking defense. The game, played with a modified scoring system, took place at Evergreen High School.
Jones' touchdown reception broke a 13-13 tie and was redemption for the sophomore wideout in a tightly contested 70-play game. Jones, a sophomore wide receiver, had a chance two plays earlier for a long touchdown reception, but a Paris Penn pass slipped through his fingers in the end zone.
After a running play, Penn threw a lateral pass, disguised as a swing pass, to Carter. Carter took a few steps toward the sideline then saw a wide-open Jones downfield. Jones caught the ball at the five and strolled into the endzone.
The game was highlighted by a Vancouver native as sophomore quarterback Kieran McDonagh completed his first nine passes and finished 12 of 14 in the game for 131 yards.
"He has improved so much as a passer," Head Coach Nigel Burton said of his returning starter at quarterback. "And when you've got his arm strength, you can do some things. It shows his talent. And to see Paris running around and lead that game winning drive, and the way Collin (Ramirez) played, it's going to be another fun quarterback competition in the fall."
Roston Tatum caught a pair of 21-yard touchdown passes - one each in the second and third periods. The first came from McDonagh, while the second was from Ramirez. Tatum led the receiving corps with five catches for 83 yards.
In all the PSU offense totaled 368 yards on 67 plays from scrimmage, with 106 on the ground and 262 through the air. Most importantly, the offense did not turn that ball over.
However, the defense impressed, holding a Viking "O" that averaged nearly 35 points last season to only three scores. The Viking defense had nine series stops, including three three-and-outs, and made three sacks. Cornerback Dennis Fite led that group with seven tackles in the game. Newcomer Jake Woolley had five tackles a linebacker, while Corey Crowder, David Edgerson and Kawika Stant also made five stops apiece.
Fite also blocked an extra point attempt. The ball was scooped up by Aaron Sibley, who returned it for a defensive PAT conversion.
"It was physical and that's what we like," said Burton. "There were plays made and I was pleased."
The Vikings now have nearly three months to get ready for fall camp.
"We have to continue to develop leadership. Our seniors and veteran players have really done a nice job there," said Burton.
SCORING FORMAT
touchdown - 6 points
field goal - 3 points
safety - 2 points
defense creates turnover - 6 points
defensive touchdown - 6 points
defensive three and out - 2 points
defensive series stop - 1 point
SCORING SUMMARY (offense score listed first)
DEF - Series stop, 0-1
DEF - 3-and-out, 0-3
DEF - Series stop, 0-4
DEF - Series stop, 0-5
OFF - Tatum 21-yard reception from McDonagh (Kinsella kick), 7-5
DEF - Series stop, 7-6
DEF - Series stop, 7-7
DEF - Series stop, 8-7
OFF - Tatum 21-yard reception from Ramirez, 13-8
DEF - Sibley defensive PAT return, 13-10
DEF - 3-and-out, 13-12
DEF - Series stop, 13-13
OFF - Jones 40-yard reception from Carter (Crist kick), 20-13
OFFENSIVE STATISTICS
Rushing - DJ Adams 4-31, Shaq Richard 8-27, Paris Penn 6-25, Zach Dwyer 7-20, Collin Ramirez 3-8, Kieran McDonagh 2-(-5)
Passing - Kieran McDonagh 12-14-0-131, Collin Ramirez 6-13-0-59, Paris Penn 4-9-0-32, Thomas Carter 1-1-0-40
Receiving - Roston Tatum 5-83, David Jones 2-50, Thomas Carter 4-29, Kasey Closs 4-24, Shaq Richard 2-17, Jamarr Graves 2-15, Alex Toureen 1-15, Tyson Heller 1-8, DJ Adams 3-7
DEFENSIVE STATISTICS
Joe Lopez 3T, Jeremy Boone 2T, Jake Woolley 5T 1SK, Corey Crowder 5T, Dennis Fite 7T, David Edgerson 5T, Walter Santiago 3T, Kawika Stant 5T 1SK, Aaron Sibley 3T 1PBU, Nick Rothstein 2T, Brandon Tobias 1T 1SK, Bryant Long 2T 1SK, Nick Alexander 3T, Michael Plummer 1T, Vincent Johnson 1T, Jeremy Lutali 1T, Julian Cruell 1T
