SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State's defensive unit tallied eight sacks and four interceptions and got a 55-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Terian Washington to stand out Saturday in the Bears' first intrasquad scrimmage of the spring.
Washington, a senior linebacker from Pine Bluff, Ark., jump started the defense with the longest play of the day and the first score. He later recorded a sack and knocked down a pass at the line of scrimmage. Fellow senior Sam Block notched a pair sacks in the early going, and junior Jimmie Strong ended the scrimmage with a drive-killing interception to cap a great session by coach D.J. Vokolek's defensive squad.
''The defense played with a lot of energy and enthusiasm,'' Vokolek said. ''They flew around and made plays. I liked the effort and the way they were able to create some turnovers.''
The defense forced five turnovers in all with Wes Stammers, Skylar Smith and James Miller also contributing interceptions.
The first team offense was slow out of the gate with just two completions in Cody Kirby's first six pass attempts. He then settled in to connect on seven straight completions for 72 yards. He finished the session 17-for-29 for 157 yards with a pair of interceptions. He was sacked six times by the first-team defensive unit, giving head coach Terry Allen more reason to hail the performance of his defense.
''The defense did an outstanding job, especially the first unit,'' Allen said. ''They had six three-and-outs against the first offense, and the culmination of more than 100 plays was the interception by Jimmie Strong at the end.''
The offense finished with 98 yards on 66 carries which was a bit misleading considering the 63 yards lost by eight sacks, and 15 additional lost yards on team misplays. Stephen Johnston and Mikael Cooper-Falls both scored rushing touchdowns. Johnston and Chris Douglas led the squad with 45 rushing yards apiece with Douglas getting a team-high 19 carries, and Johnston getting 13.
Thirteen receivers caught passes, including a team-high four by Justin Fuselier for 40 yards. Cadarrius Dotson had three catches for 71 yards, including plays of 24 and 32 yards -- the only 20-yard plays by the offense all day.
The Bears will conduct another controlled scrimmage next Saturday (April 17) before concluding spring drills on April 24 with the annual Marron and White game at Plaster Field, beginning at 1 p.m.
FINAL STATS
