Football’s Stangel Shines in Scrimmage
Photo by Matt Thomspon, NAU Football
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona football team had its final scrimmage Saturday on the NAU practice field on a beautiful, sunny day to start the final week heading into the Spring Game on April 24.
“It was a good exchange,” said Head Coach Jerome Souers. “There was good stuff on both sides of the ball. We are a little light at running back. It is nice seeing Shad Bride make a couple nice runs. We were crisper today and there were few assignment errors.”
Senior quarterback Michael Herrick, who is having an outstanding spring, watched from the sidelines Saturday as his backups got a chance to showcase their skills. Junior quarterback Chase Stangel and sophomore Cary Grossart both saw extended action.
“I thought Chase made a couple nice throws and showed what he could do,” said Souers. “We didn’t play Michael today to see how some of our other guys are doing at the quarterback position. They got a chance to run with No. 1s and see what their production looks like. It will give us some fresh tape to look at. I think it obvious our team is getting better.”
Stangel, a transfer from Arizona State who was the backup last season, made two deep scoring throws in the scrimmage, hitting San Jose State transfer Khalil Paden and redshirt freshman Jeremy Dang.
“That might be the best day he has had yet,” said Souers. “It is good to see. He is a very talented quarterback and it is good to see him make some plays. He is very athletic and can run and do some things with his feet. He has a strong arm. It is just getting in sync with the system. Cary has been improving too.”
Stangel was excited about his performance.
“I knew coming into the scrimmage Cary and I was going to get some extra reps so I wanted to take full advantage of it,” said Stangel. “I feel really good about today. I hope we showed coach we can be solid guys, solid backups, whatever he needs. We just want to do whatever is asked of us.”
NAU will hold its Spring Game Saturday April 24 at Cromer Field on the campus of Coconino High School. The players will take the field at 11:30 with the scrimmage starting at noon. A BBQ will be available following the game served by local establishment Satchmo’s. For $5, fans will have a choice of a hamburger or hot dogs with cole slaw, beans and potato salad with a Satchmo’s slider and a drink.
