Viks Hold First Scrimmage

The Portland State football team ran a 50-play scrimmage on Saturday afternoon, and saw good play from its first-unit offense and defensive front.

The Vikings gained just 13 yards in their first two drives, but then quarterback Sawyer Smith led a sustained scoring drive, completing five of eight passes along the way. The offense went 70 yards in 14 plays. Transfer tailback Mu'Ammar Ali ran three times for 18 yards and made a key block on Brandon Jones' 13-yard reverse play. Kelena Ho'okano took the ball over the goal line on a one-yard run. Smith hit five different receivers on the drive for 40 yards.

After that, the defense ruled as the second and third units were unable to mount scoring drives. PSU's defensive line made six sacks, though none against the first unit. Miami transfer Dave Howell and Oregon transfer Brian Truelove got to the quarterback twice each.

The second unit had two big offensive plays. Oregon State transfer fullback Olaniyi Sobomehin took a screen pass and broke two tackles, going 27 yards. Redshirt freshman tight end Matt Leunen caught a 25-yard pass over the middle from JC transfer Danny Morales.

On defense, Aaron Dickson, Micheal Dorsey and Philip Humphrey all had three tackles.

Smith completed seven of 12 passes during his 20-play stint. Ali gained 22 yards on five carries and caught one pass for six yards. Ho'okano had four carries for 18 yards.

Portland State will scrimmage again next Saturday morning at Stott Community Field. The time and details are yet to come.