April 12, 2004

GREELEY, Colo. -- After delaying the Bears' final scrimmage because of weather for two days, the University of Northern Colorado offense could not wait to put on a show. The Bears' offense exploded for 58 points, including eight touchdowns, in the finale to spring drills on Monday at Nottingham Field.

The Bears' offense simply could not be slowed down for an extended period of time during the scrimmage and rolled up 711 yards of total offense on 111 plays. UNC scored eight offensive touchdowns and added a field goal for the 58-point outburst.

Starting quarterback Tony Christensen rolled to a nearly perfect afternoon as he passed for 292 yards on 17-of-28 passing. Christensen tallied three touchdown passes and was victimized by only one interception.

Junior wide receiver Vincent Jackson nabbed four catches for 113 yards, including a 36-yard scoring strike from Christensen.

The Bears' offense received a tremendous effort from backup tight end Clint Wright. Wright was seeing action after Steven Bailey was moved to right tackle and Paul Sweitzer suffered a broken hand. Wright stepped right into the lineup and garnered four catches for 101 yards, which included a 56-yard score on a fourth-and-1 flare pass from Christensen.

Sophomore running back Jahir Waterman gave a glimpse of what he has to offer as backup to sophomore Andre Wilson. Waterman rushed for 112 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. Wilson, not to be out-down, rushed for 91 yards on 21 attempts.

The biggest surprise of the scrimmage came from the play of Trenton Dietz. Dietz, who played defensive line for the Bears last season, made the transition to starting fullback in the intra-squad game. Dietz rushed the ball twice for 19 yards and caught three passes for 32 yards. Dietz scored on a 19-yard screen from backup quarterback Craig Blaser.

Although the UNC defense did not have its brightest day, there were several individuals who shined. Defensive end Matt West notched two quarterback sacks and defensive back Jason Hildenbrand recorded an interception. Hildenbrand returned the interception for what looked to be a 44-yard touchdown, but an illegal block wiped out the score.

The intra-squad scrimmage brings an end to the spring drills. The UNC Bears will open the 2004 season at home on Sept. 4 against Great West Conference foe North Dakota State.

SCORING
FG - Justin Zaitz 22 FG
TD - Jamar Farbes 5 yd pass from Tony Christensen (Zaitz kick)
TD - Jens Lundeen 19 yd pass from Miles Scheer (Zaitz kick
TD - Vincent Jackson 36 yd pass from Tony Christensen (Zaitz kick)
TD - Clint Wright 56 yd pass from Tony Christensen (Zaitz kick failed)
TD - Jahir Waterman 6 yd run (Zaitz kick)
TD - Greg Geske 10 yd pass from Matt Thomas (Zaitz kick)
TD - Trenton Dietz 19 yd pass from Craig Blaser (Zaitz kick)
TD - Greg Geske 11 yd pass from Craig Blaser (Zaitz kick)

PASSING: Tony Christensen (17-28, 292 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT), Craig Blaser (7-10, 87 yds, 2 TD), Miles Scheer (3-8, 40 yds, 1 TD), Matt Thomas (3-6, 18 yds, 1 TD)

RUSHING: Jahir Waterman (21 att, 112 yds, 1 TD), Andre Wilson (21 att, 91 yds), Casey Goodrich (5 att, 9 yds), Matt Thomas (2 att, 27 yds), Trenton Dietz (2 att, 19 yds), Miles Scheer (2 att, 11 yds), Craig Blaser (1 att, 4 yds), Miles Scheer (1 att, 1 yd)

RECEIVING: Jamar Farbes (5 rec, 39 yds, 1 TD), Vincent Jackson (4 rec, 113 yds, 1 TD), Clint Wright (4 rec, 101 yds, 1 TD), Greg Geske (4 rec, 63 yds, 2 TD), Trenton Dietz (3 rec, 32 yds, 1 TD), Jens Lundeen (2 rec, 37 yds, 1 TD), Zac Carlson (2 rec, 14 yds), Jahir Waterman (2 rec, 6 yds), Tyrees Bingham (1 rec, 11 yds), Andre Wilson (1 rec, 9 yds), Nick Hager (1 rec, 7 yds), Casey Goodrich (1 rec, 5 yds)

INTERCEPTIONS: Jason Hildenbrand (1 INT)

FUMBLE RECOVERIES: None

QUARTERBACK SACKS: Matt West (2 sacks), Derek Aber (1 sack), Team (1 sack)