PULLMAN, Wash. (August 12, 2023) – The Cougar offense recorded seven touchdowns while the defense forced three turnovers on the day as Washington State Football held its first fall scrimmage Saturday.
 
After a slow start where the Cougar defense flexed on the first tow possessions, quarterback John Mateer led the offense on an 11-play scoring drive, capped by a 4-yard pas to receiver Josh Meredith. It marked the first of three passing touchdowns on the day for that side of the ball.
 
Quarterback Cameron Ward got in on the action two series later as he connected with receiver Lincoln Victor on a 15-yard strike in the end zone, while quarterback Emmett Brown also found the end zone, hitting running back Leo Pulalasi for a 25-yard scoring pass. The final play of the scrimmage resulted in a 13-yard scoring strike from freshman quarterback Jaxon Potter to freshman tight end Mahki Whitney.
 
The WSU ground game also found success, rushing for more than 100 yards and three scores. Redshirt freshman running back Djouvensky Schlenbaker capped drives with a 7-yard and 3-yard scoring plays, while Pulalasi added a 29-yard scoring burst.
 
The defense also had its moments on the day. In addition to forcing two fumbles, defensive back Kapena Gushiken registered the lone interception of the scrimmage, collecting a tipped pass from Ward. The Cougars also broke up five other passes during the nearly two-hour scrimmage.
 
The defensive line also found its way onto the stat sheet, registering five total sacks, all from the Edge position. Raam Stevenson and Michael Hughes each had two with Lawrence Falatea had the other.
 
The specialists also had a strong day as kicker Dean Janikowski connected on all three of his field goal attempts (32, 37 and 48 yards), while kicker Colton Theaker showed off his leg hitting from 44 and 57 yards.
 
WSU will have Sunday off and will return to the practice field Monday morning.