The sun, a sizable group of fans, some big plays and some new faces all came out at Portland State's first spring football scrimmage at Stott Community Field on Friday.

The Vikings scrimmaged for just over one hour in 82 degree weather, running 69 plays, and giving the Viking faithful a first glimpse at 2016. The scrimmage included 12 series resulting in three touchdowns, a field goal and eight series' stops by the defense.

Big plays came in the form of the recognizable; a 79-yard touchdown pass from Alex Kuresa to Paris Penn; and the new; a 77-yard touchdown scamper by redshirt junior Za'Quan Summers. 

Kuresa directed four series, leading to all three offensive touchdowns. He completed 6-9 passes for 127 yards and two scores. 

"Alex lived up to his billing," said Viking Coach Bruce Barnum. "He is better than last year right now and that is exciting to see." 

But as the scrimmage progressed the Viking defense became more prominent, harassing redshirt freshman Thomas Hamilton into 5-15 passing and coming up with six total sacks. Hamilton, seeing his first significant reps as he moves up the depth chart this season, did a good job of avoiding turnovers and totaled 74 yards on his five completions.

Portland State is working in four players on defense that have entered school this spring and figure to play prominent roles in 2016. They include junior linebacker Taylor Biaggi, junior safeties Ryan Wood and Chris Hayes, and freshman linebacker Kenton Bartlett. Biaggi was in on six tackles from his middle linebacker spot, while Wood made four tackles, Hayes had two pass breakups and Bartlett had a pair of tackles. Barnum is keeping a close eye on that group as he tries to fill some holes in the defense due to seniors lost in 2015.

"They aren't playing downhill yet like we know they will because this is a new system for them. We need to get them out there and get reps. They are in the right spots, we just need them to play downhill more, thinking less. When you are thinking too much that puts you a step behind. And offensively, we are pretty fast so you can't give up that step," said Barnum.

Barnum praised his defensive front as well. "Davond Dade is really coming along. We don't have stars, but I can see him climbing that wall. Inside, we have a bunch of "steady Eddies" with (Michael) Doman, Savali (Talalemotu), Will Dawson and (John) Jackson. That is a good group up front."

Tight end Cam Sommer, the only returner with experience at that position, will also be expected to contribute more. He led the receivers with three catches for 25 yards, including a six-yard touchdown reception from Kuresa.

"It was good to see what Cam did today, making some catches in clutch situations," said Barnum.

Penn had two catches for 89 yards and Josh Kraght caught two passes for 37 yards.

Summers led the running game with five carries for 103 yards. Another redshirt, freshman Carlos Martin, got the bulk of the work carrying the ball 10 times for 68 yards. He had a 41-yard breakaway that helped set up a touchdown. Returners Nate Tago and Steven Long saw limited carries. 

"We have some work to do in the backfield but we saw some good things, some sparks," Barnum said. "That is who we are: we run the football. I saw solid play out of the backfield today.

"Overall, I liked what I saw effort-wise. I told the team we aren't playing anyone until next fall so this is a great learning opportunity. We have the video to teach with and we will come back with practice number eight next week and work on getting better."

OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE: Punter Marcus Kinsella punted four times in the scrimmage for an average of 55.5 yards… John Jackson, Will Dawson and Savali Talalemotu had four tackles each. Defensive end Perry Groves made five tackles.

Portland State will resume practice on Tuesday morning at Stott Community Field. The Vikings will scrimmage again on Friday, April 15 at approximately 3 p.m. Here is the remaining practice schedule. 

The Portland State Football Spring Schedule
Tues., Apr. 12, 8-9:30 a.m.
Wed., Apr. 13, 8-9:30 a.m.
Thurs., Apr. 14, 8-9:30 a.m.
Fri., Apr. 15, 2:30-5 p.m., scrimmage
Tues., Apr. 19, 8-9:30 a.m.
Wed., Apr. 20, 8-9:30 a.m.
Thurs., Apr. 21, 8-9:30 a.m.
Sat., Apr. 23, Spring Game, 2 p.m. 

All practices at Stott Community Field