Running Back Bauman Highlights Spring Game

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Rising sophomore Zach Bauman, a former Chandler Hamilton standout, had 150 yards of total offense to highlight Northern Arizona's annual Blue-Gold Spring Game held at the Sinagua Football Field on Saturday afternoon.

"Zach looks really good," said Head Coach Jerome Souers. "He has grown more confident with the new offensive line he has in front of him. They showed they are going to be good."

Bauman, who rushed for 1,059 yards in 2010 and set the school freshman rushing mark while recording the 14th 1,000-yard season in school history, had 98 yards on the ground with three receptions for 52 yards to lead the offense.

The quarterbacks had an efficient afternoon. Senior Chase Stangel went 5-fort-6 for 93 yards with a 30-yard scoring strike to wideout Khalil Paden. Junior Cary Grossart went 7-for-8 for 59 yards with a touchdown. Paden had three catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns.

"We will take a look at the film to see where we are at," said Souers. "I think all the quarterbacks played better today. They were noticeably improved with their decision making."

Senior Ryan Nelson went 9-for-12 for 81 yards and a touchdown, while redshirt freshman Chase Cartwright was 3-for-9 for 19 yards. Freshman Jesse Perry also saw action, going 3-for-6 for 27 yards.

Souers liked the defensive effort.

"I think the whole unit played well together," said Souers. "They played with great pursuit and enthusiasm and that is how we play defense."

Souers noted the play of cornerback Randy Hale.

Linebackers Chris Arnold and Brandon Phillips led the team six tackles each.

NAU held their spring practices at the Sigagua Football Field due to the Skydome remodeling.

"We are thankful the school district allowed us to come out here and practice," said Souers. "It has been great."

SPRING GAME STATISTICS

RUSHING: Bauman 14-98-0; Hemmingway 6-18-0; Perry 2-13-0; Saldana 7-8-0; Cartwright 3-7-0; Stangel 1-3-0; Paciulli 2-5-0; Nelson 1-6-0; Grossart 1-(-5)-0.

RECEVING: Shanks 4-25-0; Paden 3-65-2; Mougey 2-18-0; Hemmingway 3-15-0; Bauman 3-52-0; Czyz 3-47-1; Deboskie 3-23-0; Unger 2-15-0; Umodo 2-20-0;  Saldana 1-1-0.

PASSING: Stangel 5-6 93 1 TD; Cartwright 3-9 19; Grossart 7-8 59 1 TD; Nelson 9-12 81 1 TD; Perry 3-6 27.

FIELD GOALS: Myers: Good - 19, 52, 43. Zamora: Good - 47, 42. Missed - 35.

PENALTIES: 6-35.