Document text
34 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, December 16, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 31, 2004 Depth at linebacker pays off for Beavers By CLIFF KIRKPATRICK for the Mail Tribune TUCSON, Ariz. — The only bad news to come out of the Oregon State football team’s victory over Arizona on Saturday night was an injury to Jonathan Pollard. The senior outside linebacker, who is also one of the team captains, sprained his left ankle in the first quarter. He spent the first half icing his foot on the sidelines, but was in street clothes in the second half. OSU officials said Pollard will be evaluated today to determine the extent of his injury. "We don’t know (how he is), yet," coach Mike Riley said. "Obviously it wasn’t very good because he got out of his uniform. We’ll find out more about that in the next couple days." While Pollard was missed, the Beavers were able to carry on without him due to their depth at linebacker. Chaz Scott, who normally shares the other outside linebacking position with Keith Ellison, moved into Pollard’s slot and was OSU’s co-leader in tackles. Scott and middle linebacker Trent Bray each made nine tackles, but Scott had a team-best six solo stops. Advertisement INJURED TIGHT END Joe Newton started for the first time in three games due to a strained left shoulder, and played a significant role as the team’s leading receiver. The former Roseburg High standout caught six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Newton was also able to make key blocks that sprung a few long runs. "I got out there and was feeling pretty good, and it was fun to be back playing," Newton said. "The shoulder felt really good, actually. Derek obviously did a great job out there and made some great throws and our receivers made some big plays." Anderson was glad to have Newton back. He likes to throw to the tight end, and against Arizona short passes to Newton turned into big gains. The Wildcats blitzed early, and Newton was open on well-timed screen plays. "Joe did play well for us," Anderson said. "He made plays only he can make. It gives our team another element." REDSHIRT FRESHMAN placekicker Alexis Serna missed his first field goal of the season, a 41-yard attempt in the second quarter. He was 8-for-8 through the first seven games. Serna, whose extra-point difficulties have been well-documented, was trying to become the first OSU kicker to finish the season perfect on field goals since Jim Nielsen in 1984. Nielsen went 6-for-6 after taking over late in the season. AFTER THE WILDCATS drew within two touchdowns with 9:16 left in the game, they tried to catch the Beavers off-guard with a surprise onside kick. Reserve linebacker Andy Darkins, playing on the kick return’s front line, noticed the ball bouncing toward him, charged the ball and secured it for the offense in a head’s up play that slowed any potential momentum for the Wildcats. SAM PAULESCU SHOWED improvement with his directional punting, keeping Arizona returner Wilrey Fontenot from any opportunity to break off long runs. Paulescu kicked balls out of bounce and pinned the Wildcats inside their own 5-yard line twice in the second half. DWIGHT WRIGHT LINED UP to return the kickoff to open the second half instead of Sammie Stroughter. It was the first time Wright played that position this year. THERE WAS A CONCERN starting center Matt Brock might not be able to play due to a sore left knee, but the senior from Roseburg was able to start his 34th consecutive game and played well throughout the contest. Cliff Kirkpatrick covers Oregon State football for the Corvallis Gazette-Times Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities