Grading the Saints vs Montana Tech

October 18, 2009

By JEFF WINDMUELLER Independent Record

Rush defense - Skyler Knuchel entered into Saturday's game leading the Frontier Conference in rushing at 91.6 yards per game. Not only did the Saints shut him down for 34 yards on 12 carries (2.8 ypc) but held the 'Diggers offense to a total of just 72 yards. Grade: A

Pass defense - Matt Komac knows how to dice up the Saints defense with short passes on slant routes and button hooks for 235 yards. But while the 'Diggers' passing game has been able to get under Carroll's defense, they still can't seem to get over it for any good shots to the end zone. Instead, junior corner Pat Regan proved he wasn't slowed by missing last week, as he hauled in an interception.Grade: B

Rush offense - It wasn't the biggest rushing game the Saints have seen, especially after racking up the yards the last two weeks, but Carroll proved it was in control of the line of scrimmage as it rushed for 138 yards. Senior Gabe Le and junior John Camino both had 11 carries and finished with 56 and 47 yards, respectively. Chance Demarais, meanwhile, came in early and was efficient with 31 yards on six carries. Head coach Mike Van Diest, meanwhile, made a big shout out to wide receivers Lat Wipplinger and Stevie Sloan for their role blocking downfield, which has been an underlooked part of the Saints rushing offense. Grade: B

Pass offense - Gary Wagner had no trouble getting his 21 completions on 31 attempts for 239 yards. While the usual suspects were easy to find downfield, Wagner also had a couple of big third down receptions from Sloan and Pete Richter to keep drives alive. Corey Peterson, meanwhile, looked the best he has all season. He's been coming on as of late and led his squad with five receptions for 61 yards. Grade: A-

Special teams - One of the biggest plays of the game was a tackle by junior running back Jeff Deal, planting a returner and Tech's subsequent drive. Tom Yaremko blasted back-to-back kickoffs into the end zone, D.J. Smetana completed a 26-yard field goal and David Kries averaged 45.5 yards on two huge punts. A missed field goal and PAT still drag this score down a little. Grade: B-


Offensive Player of the Game

Gary Wagner: Senior quarterback from Havre completed 21 of 31 passes for 239 yards and also ran for one touchdown.

Defensive Player of the Game

Pat Regan: Junior cornerback from Miles City returned to the lineup after missing two weeks with an injury. Reganhad five total tackles and an interception in the end zone.

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