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Show Redskins battle to first victory By Greg Fowler Staff Writer "It was one of those really exciting football games that had everything a fan could ask for," exclaimed one observer. "It was a good tough ball game that could have gone either way," said Coach Meek. It was Utah's first victory, and it came at the expense of Washington State University Saturday in Pullman, Wash., as the Redskins pulled their game together and defeated the Cougars 17-14. Victory always produces its heroes, and it was no different for the Redskins, who had many outstanding performers in their fine, over-all team effort that accounted for their first win of the season and the first one for Head Coach Bill Meek. It's hard to single out one or two players when an entire team plays well, but there were some fine individual efforts contributing to the victory. attack on the Utah one-yard line. One goal line stand is usually enough for a game, but the Redskins proved the first time was no fluke as they held the Cougars for a total of eight running plays inside the five yard line. Linebackers Larry Stone and Fred McFarren played terrific defensive football, racking up a total of 15 unassisted tackles between them and leading the brutal defensive attack. Ute defensive ends Norm McBride and Gary Kerl played their usual outstanding game. "We knew those two kids would be tough," said Coach Sweeney, "but they played even better than we expected." The Ute defenders were only slightly confused by the Cougar shotgun offense. They settled down and threw up a powerful wall guarding the Ute end zone. The Redskins recovered three Cougar fumbles and held the WSU offsense to a net offensive gain of only 258 yards. It was a big day for the Redskins, the first win always is, but even more important, the Utes showed the spirit and confidence they had displayed all season was still there. Senior split end Louis "Speedy" Thomas was given his first starting call of the season, and the fleet receiver responded with a terrific effort. Thomas pulled down six aerials for 102 yards and one touchdown. "Miraculous" was all Cougar coach Jim Sweeney could say about Speedy's six point reception. "He took the ball over the wrong shoulder while well covered by our defender Mark Williams." What Thomas did after the catch was even better. The shifty runner left two more Cougars standing with their legs tangled while he raced the remaining 15 yards to pay dirt. Jim Street added to Utah's explosive offense with a 96-yard kickoff return for another touchdown. Street, who almost broke a punt return for another touchdown earlier in the game, also played a fine defensive game, helping to contain the complicated WSU shotgun offense. Plays Despite Injury Street received a minor leg injury and limped off the field on the play prior to a Cougar touchdown, but the tough competitor came back in and took the kickoff straight up the middle ' behind fine blocking, broke into the clear and then out limped the , last few defenders for the second Ute touchdown of the game. Redskin newcomer, Jim Sears, kicked both extra points, but it was his field goal with only two minutes remaining in the contest that won the game and made Jim a hero of Redskins' success. It was Sears first attempt at a collegiate football field goal, and he may never have a bigger one. The 24-yard tally came off a fumbled center, but the cool Sears still put it through the center of the up rights for the three points and the victory. Defense: A Major Role It may sound like an all-offense success, but Redskin defense also played a major role in this initial win. Twice the Ute defenders contained the Cougar scoring |
