For the past two weeks of spring football practice, Head Coach Bruce Barnum had noted that his defense was ahead of the offense in terms of its development. So naturally, the Viking offense put up a number of big plays in a 90-play scrimmage on Friday afternoon at Stott Community Field.

In fact, the offense scored eight touchdowns with three coming on a long pass plays. And Barnum saw all five of the quarterbacks he expects to compete for the starting role in the fall make big plays with their arms, their feet or both. 

"It's a great group of guys," said Barnum of his signal callers. "They are all strong at something, and I was happy to see them have some success. They had kind of a rough two weeks getting things going against our defense that has been getting after them.

"It was good to see, because there is a lot of talent on the offensive side. They finally had two weeks to digest it, get it going and it was good to finally see guys who can make plays, make them. There was not a lot of man or blitzing on defense. That was what I wanted to see. I am glad the offense responded how they did."

Senior quarterback Kieran McDonagh, who has started 29 games over the last three seasons, had a good afternoon, completing 5-9 passes for 92 yards. He found senior wide receiver Thomas Carter on a 53-yard scoring strike. In fact, Carter caught four passes from McDonagh for 85 yards. 

Junior quarterback Paris Penn threw a 75-yard TD pass to sophomore wideout Stevie Coury. 

Sophomore Josh Kraght, who started the final three games of the 2014 season, was 5-8 passing for 71 yards. He also scored on a 12-yard rushing play. 

Junior transfer Alex Kuresa was 3-4 for 88 yards with a 75-yard bomb for a score to junior wide receiver Jamarr Graves. Kuresa added one running play of 33 yards. 

Redshirt freshman Aidan Wilder was 1-2 passing with a 35-yard completion. He rushed for 15 yards and a touchdown in the scrimmage.

Running plays were scattered among eight difference backs. Leading rushers were Za'Quan Summers (five carries, 35 yards), Steven Long (5-39) and Zack Dwyer (3-40).

Perhaps more important to Barnum was success in an area he has been preaching about throughout the off-season and spring: ball security. The Vikings had no turnovers in the scrimmage. 

While the Vikings had offensive success, it came mostly through the air. The defense made 11 tackles for loss and five sacks. In addition to the offense scoring eight touchdowns and one field goal, the defense made eight series stops and one safety.

"Two weeks in(to spring practice), I couldn't be any happier," Barnum said. "With all the changes that have gone on since the end of last season, I loved what I saw. The communication on the field, the positive talk on both sidelines. I am happy with what I saw."

COMING UP
Portland State football will have another full scrimmages next Friday, Apr. 17 from 3-5 p.m.

The Portland State Spring Football Game is Apr. 25 at 2 p.m. at Stott Community Field. Admission to the game is free. Portland State Athletics Director Mark Rountree will be hosting a Spring Game Tailgate for season ticket holders, Viking donors and sponsors. The Tailgate, which begins at 1:30 p.m., will have food and drink. There will also be music and games for fans. 

Anyone interested in attending the Tailgate can do so by purchasing season tickets on site or by making a donation to the Viking Athletic Fund. Fans are welcome to bring lawn chairs to the game for seating.

SPRING FOOTBALL PRACTICE
Monday, April 13    7-9 a.m.
Tuesday, April 14    7-9 a.m.
Thursday, April 16    7-9 a.m.
Friday, April 17    3-5 p.m. scrimmage
Monday, April 20    7-9 a.m.
Tuesday, April 21    7-9 a.m.
Thursday, April 23    7-9 a.m.
Saturday, April 25    Spring Game, 2 p.m.