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43 °F Forecast | Road Cams Sunday, October 10, 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 Rogue Valley's Finest 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 September 26, 2004 It’s was a homecoming for a couple of Beavers By CLIFF KIRKPATRICK for the Mail Tribune TEMPE, Ariz. — For two players on the Oregon State football team, this weekend’s trip was a homecoming. Junior linebacker Chaz Scott of Chandler and redshirt freshman Eric Anderson of Phoenix grew up around here and were able to compete against Arizona State, a team they watched as children. Scott’s a key outside linebacker and special teams player. He had six tackles, two quarterback hurries and forced a fumble entering the contest. "This is big time for me," Scott said before the game. "I’m trying to take it as just another game, but at the same time, it’s like a homecoming for me. I’m ready to get out there and make some plays and get the win." When Scott was young, he was a fan of the Sun Devils, especially of former coach Bruce Snyder. When Scott was looking for colleges, Arizona State was high on his list. Advertisement After Snyder was fired, Scott looked to Oregon State. He’s become an impact player for the Beavers, playing part-time on defense and on special teams. "The passion is always there," Scott said. "There will be a little more there (against Arizona State). There’s a lot of family here watching." Another highlight for Scott’s fans was him being the rotating fourth team captain, walking out for the coin flip before the game. Anderson’s a reserve defensive back and is on the punt return team. He played in the first three games and registered three tackles. He was no great fan of the Sun Devils, but he looked forward to playing at Arizona State on Saturday for personal reasons. "I want to see my ma, my grandparents, my whole family," Anderson said. "It’s big because I get to go back home. It will be the first time my ma gets to see me play live since I’ve been college." ASU’S OREGON CONNECTIONS: Running backs coach Tom Nordquist is a 1993 graduate of Oregon State. He was the starting center for two seasons and was an assistant coach for two years. Junior wide receiver Matt Miller’s father, Scott, played at Oregon State from 1962-64, and was a member of the 1965 Rose Bowl team. Assistant head coach Tom Osborne worked at Portland State (1986-92) and Oregon (1995-2000). Junior wide receiver Stephen Biznett is from Pendleton. He’s a walk-on, who mostly plays on special teams. Quarterbacks coach Mark Helfrich played football at Southern Oregon. He started coaching there in 1996 and stopped at Oregon in 1997. TILLMAN HONORED: Pat Tillman’s No. 42 will be retired at the end of the year against Washington State, and PT42 will be on the front of the players’ jersey this season. Tillman played outside linebacker for the Sun Devils (1994-97) and safety for the Arizona Cardinals for five years but retired early to become an Army Ranger. He went to Afghanistan and was killed in action in April. He was the 1997 Pac-10 defensive player of the year, and was a three-time Academic All-American. "This gives us something more to play for," Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter said. "He’s someone to aspire to be like on the field and off." 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