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OGDEN — Every great offense is built on execution.
Whether the Green Bay Packers of the '60s, the San Francisco 49ers of the '80s, or the Indianapolis Colts earlier this millennium, successful offenses have learned how to perform at a high level with relatively few mistakes.
Weber State football is trying to get to that point, and the offense is slowly but surely moving toward being a better unit. Still, Weber coach Jay Hill acknowledges the team has shortcomings that must be addressed after another inconsistent spring scrimmage Saturday.
“There was some give-and-take out there today and both sides showed some good things,” Hill said. “In the middle of the scrimmage the offense rebounded and executed almost flawlessly, and then the defense stepped up at the end and played very well. When we are executing well on offense we can really move the ball down the field; we just have to be more disciplined and more focused and have to take care of the ball.”
After the first scrimmage, Hill spoke of the need for improved energy. He said the Wildcats brought it in the second scrimmage but didn’t always handle it well.
"I thought the intensity and excitement at the start of the scrimmage was awesome," Weber coach Jay Hill said.
“I thought the intensity and excitement at the start of the scrimmage was awesome,” he said. “Unfortunately, the offense didn’t handle it as well at first. We had some penalties and turnovers and got off to a slow start.”
There were highlights in the scrimmage, specifically defensively. The Weber defense was able to thwart a variety of plays and consistently performed in pass coverage. Senior defensive end Dustin Martin said the defense has made an effort to enjoy the game more.
“Our defense was really hitting hard and moving around well today,” he said. “We are just trying to have fun and do our job out there and everyone is contributing. Our secondary really made some impressive plays today.”
Shaydon Kehano, a senior wide receiver, said it is easy to see both sides of the football have improved as spring ball has gone on.
“This past week, we did really well,” he said. “Our offense has been looking very nice; our offensive line has been pushing up front, and our receivers have been making plays. But overall, I thought today was a pretty good scrimmage.”
One of the team's biggest question marks is quarterback, with Jadrian Clark and Austin Chipoletti fighting for the top spot. Kehano said the competition is tight for a reason.
“They’re both great quarterbacks,” he said. “They both are smart quarterbacks, … and they both have arm strength, as well. It’s pretty even, honestly. Both quarterbacks are good, and it’s going to be a battle.”
Clark finished the day completing 6 of 11 passes for 64 yards, with the day’s highlight play coming on a 35-yard pass to Antonio Douglas. Chipoletti threw for 25 yards.
The Wildcats have just one week of practice remaining before the spring game next weekend, and Hill noted the team’s execution has to improve.
“The practices, when things run smooth and it’s clean, I give myself a good grade,” he said. “And today, when it’s a little sloppy, that’s all a reflection on me. It starts with me; I’ve got to get that fixed. I will, and we’ll get the things fixed that we’ve got to get fixed.”
