FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona defensive unit had a strong first scrimmage, aided by nine sacks in the first of three scrimmages scheduled for the Lumberjacks leading up to the season opener at Arizona State. NAU ran 72 plays on the night at the Walkup Skydome.

"For our first scrimmage a week into camp, I am pleased with the progress," said Head Coach Jerome Souers. "Offensively we've put everything in and now we get into mastering and refining what we are doing."

California transfer Covaughn Deboskie-Johnsen rushed a team-high six times for 29 yards with two touchdowns. Preseason All-American Zach Bauman had four carries for 46 yards, finishing with a 38-yard scamper on last run.

"I have not touched a ball in 10 months so it felt good," said Deboskie-Johnsen. "It felt good to have the offensive line, tight ends, fullbacks and receivers blocking for me every time I ran the ball. We had supreme confidence."

Senior quarterback Cary Grossart went 6-for-9 for 59 yards, while redshirt sophomore Chase Cartwright was 8-for-11 for 88 yards. Redshirt freshmen Jordan Perry (4-5, 24 yards) and Kyren Poe (1-2, 10 yards) also saw action, both recording some designed runs.

Junior wideout Jesse Brantley led the receivers with 32 yards on two receptions.

The defense had several three-and-outs and recorded nine sacks, disrupting the offensive flow for most of the workout.

"Defensively, our progress has been very impressive," said Souers. "The new guys we added to our front, linebacker and secondary corps, we have certainly improved since last spring. My impression was the defense was very stingy tonight."

Souers saw a perfect game from his kickers including Andy Wilder, Ryan Hawkins and Brian Drulias. They combined to make every kick in the game, including a 4-for-4 effort on field goals with two from 50 yards.

"The kickers kicked well today," said Souers. "I am pleased with Andy Wilder's work in the offseason and our freshman Ryan Hawkins has been a nice surprise. He has very live leg and skill level is impressive for a young man his age."

Unofficial Scrimmage Statistics

Rushing: Co. DeBoskie 6-29-2; Bauman 4-46-0; Jahn 5-27-0; Pipkin 4-9-0; Poe 3-13-0; Perry 3-9-0; Shanks 3-18-0; Butier 2-5-0; Cartwright 1-2-0.

Passing: Cartwright 8-11 88; Grossart 6-9 59; Perry 4-5 24; Poe 1-2 10.

Receiving: Brantley 2-32-0; Shanks 3-23-0; Rickert 2-11-0; Bueno 2-20-0; Pipkin 2-14-0; Ca. DeBoskie 2-9-0; Dang 1-21-0; Bauman 1-10-0; Co. DeBoskie 1-10-0; Biggo 1-9-0; Walker 1-2-0.

Kicking: Wilder 2-2; Hawkins 2-2.