Aug. 21, 2009
ANNAPOLIS, Md.--Navy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo and his coaching staff used Navy's second scrimmage of the fall to get one last look at players in a game situation before the Mids start preparing for the season opener against Ohio State next week.
"We were taking a look at some guys in certain situations to see what they can do. We wanted one last look at who might be able to help us this year," said Niumatalolo.
Navy had nine starters or key players sit out the scrimmage, including safety Wyatt Middleton and fullback Alexander Teich, due to injury but all nine should be back at some point in the next week.
One of the areas the coaching staff was looking at was the offensive line where Curtis Bass started at center and Brady DeMell started at guard.
"We just wanted to take a look at those two guys in different spots," said Niumatalolo. "We will go back and look at the film and evaluate it. We are trying to put the best five guys on the field."
The kicking game, which had been up and down throughout camp, was on target today. Sophomore Jon Teague and junior Joe Buckley were both two-for-two on field goals, while freshman Scott Blasinsky made a 42-yard field goal before missing his last attempt.
"The kickers aren't making it easy on us to make a decision. They either all make them or they all miss them. They kicked well today. We are going to talk this weekend and probably get it narrowed down to two kickers by Monday."
Sophomore slot back Mike Stukel had a 38-yard run on his only carry, while junior wide receiver Greg Jones had a 30-yard run. Senior fullback Jordan Eddington rushed for 26 yards on seven carries.
"I wish we would have moved him earlier in his career, because the more reps he gets the better he gets," said Niumatalolo. "Delvin Diggs is a young guy that can do some things as well."
Junior quarterback Ricky Dobbs completed three of his eight pass attempts for 33 yards, while sophomore quarterback Kriss Proctor completed five out of six attempts for 56 yards.
Mario Washington led the receiving corps with two catches for 12 yards. Sophomore fullback Delvin Diggs had a 27-yard reception, while Vince Murray, Mike Schupp and Doug Furman all had catches that resulted in a first down.
Sophomore linebacker Max Blue led the defense with seven tackles, two tackles for a loss and a sack. Senior defensive end/nose guard Jordan Stephens had two pass deflections, while junior outside linebacker Jerry Hauburger recovered a fumble.
Sophomore outside linebacker Mason Graham, sophomore linebacker Andrew Sharp, senior linebacker Ross Pospisil and junior linebacker Trey Grissom all recorded a sack for the defense.
