April 19, 2008

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Running back Randall Eldridge (Jr., Lynnwood) ran for 142 yards on 13 carries, and scored four touchdowns, three rushing and one receiving, as Western Washington University conducted the first of two controlled intrasquad scrimmages Saturday morning at Civic Stadium.

The scrimmage consisted of approximately 115 plays.

"I liked what I saw out there," said Western head coach Robin Ross.

Eldridge, a transfer from Chabot Junior College, shared time in the backfield with Kevin Sampson (R-Fr., Seattle/Rainier Beach), who ran for 29 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries.

Returning starting quarterback Adam Perry (Sr., Longview/R.A. Long), who primarily faced the first-team defense, completed 9-of-14 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score.

"Adam is so much more comfortable back there," Ross said. "He's sharper, his fakes are good and he was completing passes."

Redshirt freshman quarterback Chris Bolt (Lynden) completed 3-of-4 passes for 23 yards and had touchdown runs of five and seven yards.

Wide receiver Pat McCann (Jr., Olympia) led the receiving corps with six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Cornerback Anthony Rosso (Sr., Walla Walla) had the lone interception for the defense, one of three turnovers by the offense.

The offense also was called for 10 penalties.

"There were too many procedural penalties and touchdowns that were called back, many of the things that hurt us last year," Ross said.

Placekicker Josh Lider (Jr., Bellevue/Sammamish) made three field goals, all inside the 30-yard line, and had one miss.

Another scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 26, at 10 a.m. with the annual Blue/Silver Spring Game on May 3 (12 noon).