Defense Dominates In Navy's First Scrimmage Of The Fall

Force seven turnovers and record 17 tackles for a loss

	Ross Pospisil

Aug. 9, 2008

ANNAPOLIS, Md.-The Navy defense forced seven turnovers, recorded 17 tackles for a loss and came up with seven sacks in a dominating performance against the offense on Saturday afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Navy's first team offense had nine possessions and managed just two field goals against the first team defense, while the second team offense did not score in nine possessions and turned the ball over four times against the second team defense.

"I thought the defense played well today," said Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo. "They played with a chip on their shoulder. The offense showed up today like it was a practice and the defense came out like they wanted to hurt somebody. They played like it was a game. They played with a different mentality. I have been very pleased with the defense."

Junior linebacker Ross Pospisil led the defense with 10 tackles and a tackle for a loss, while sophomore linebacker Tyler Simmons, senior linebacker Casey Nichols, senior defensive end Mike Walsh and junior nose guard Nate Frazier had eight tackles apiece.

Junior linebacker Clint Sovie recorded seven stops, including two spectacular tackles that saw him leap over the center and tackle the quarterback in the backfield, while junior defensive end Matt Nechak was also in on seven stops. Freshman defensive end Jabaree Tuani recorded two sacks, while sophomore defensive end Billy Yarborough recovered two fumbles.

Bright spots on the offensive side of the ball were few and far between. Senior slot back Jarod Bryant rushed for 33 yards on two carries, 29 of those yards came off a beautiful run on an option pitch by senior quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada. Freshman fullback Alex Teich continues to make a strong push to be the backup fullback, rushing for 48 yards on 12 carries. Senior quarterback Joe Taylor, playing with the third unit, rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. It was the offense's only touchdown of the day. Senior kicker Matt Harmon made both field goal attempts with ease; the first from 42 yards and the second was from 47 yards out.

"The defense has something to prove this year and they played like it today," said Niumatalolo. They played like a bunch of maniacs. We have to play like that on both sides of the ball to have any chance this year."