We learn in physics that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. On Saturday at Stott Community Field, we learned that maxim applied to the Portland State football team as well.
 
After strong performances by the Viking defense in live sessions during Wednesday and Thursday practices, the offense responded with an impressive performance of its own on Saturday.
 
Led by SO QB Dante Chachere, the offense scored on the first three drives of the 66-play scrimmage. Chachere opened by leading the team on a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive culminating in a 12-yard fly sweep for touchdown by SR WR Beau Kelly. Kelly received great blocks on the outside from wide receiver running mates Maclaine Griffin and Nate Bennett to get into the endzone.
 
Chachere completed both of his pass attempts in the series, including a 13-yarder to Kelly. He was aided by strong running from SR RB Andrew Van Buren, who rushed four times for 20 yards in the series.
 
Backup QB Jaden Casey led the next offensive series. The Vikings went 75 yards in 10 plays this time. Casey was solid, completing 3-5 passes for 49 yards. His option pitch to Griffin from the seven-yard line led to the second score.
 
Then Chachere returned, leading a shorter field series from the 45-yard line. He completed 3-4 passes, including a long toss to Kelly over the middle in the face of heavy pressure, for a 38-yard score.
 
Following the three scores, PSU's defense responded with four series' stops in the final six series of the day.
 
"After two live practices, I thought the defense really got after us offensively," said Viking Coach Bruce Barnum. "So it was nice to see how the offense responded today. It was really good to see Chachere lead that first group. That was a long drive (to open) and he took us and scored. Then, he came out and did it again. I was happy to see the offense play with that emotion."
 
Chachere was 5-6 passing overall for 84 yards and a touchdown. Casey was 3-8 passing for 49 yards. SR QB Mike Irwin had two series, completing 4-6 passes for 29 yards, and FR QB Logan Gonzalez also had two series, completing 5-9 for 20 yards. 
 
Kelly was his usual versatile self, catching three passes for 63 yards and a touchdown, rushing for 12 yards and a touchdown, and completing one pass for 22 yards. Van Buren finished with seven rushing plays for 26 yards. FR RB Quincy Craig had two rushing TDs in series led by Gonzalez.
 
In all, the Vikings passed for 182 yards on 30 attempts and 18 completions. They rushed for 99 yards on 28 carries, not counting sack yardage.
 
On defense, SR DE VJ Malo made five stops, including a sack. SR CB Anthony Adams broke up four passes.
 
"I was glad to end camp that way," said Barnum. "I have seen great play on both sides of the ball, and our kicking game. (SO K) Gianni Smith is doing well from all ranges. Now it's, 'can we find the way to San Jose?' It's time to go to work and get ready for San Jose State."
 
Preparation for the opener at San Jose State begins for the Vikings next week. They will have the next two days off, then have seven full practices before traveling to the Bay Area.
 
Scoring Plays
Beau Kelly 12 yard run
Maclaine Griffin 7 yard run
Beau Kelly 38-yard reception from Dante Chachere
Quincy Craig 14 yard run
Quincy Craig 1 yard run
 
UPCOMING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Sun, Aug. 21     Off Day
Mon, Aug. 22   Off Day
Tues, Aug. 23  10:15-12:45
Wed, Aug. 24   10:15-12:45
Thurs, Aug. 25 10:15-12:45
Fri, Aug. 26       10:15-12:45
Sat, Aug. 27      10:15-12:45
Sun, Aug. 28     10:15-12:45
Mon, Aug. 29   10:15-12:45
Tues, Aug. 30  Travel to San Jose
Wed, Aug. 31   Practice in San Jose
Thurs, Sept. 1  vs. San Jose State, 7:30 p.m.
 
All Practices at Stott Community Field on the PSU Campus