Aug. 17, 2002
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Jerome Reaves caught two long touchdown passes Saturday as the Western Kentucky University football team's offense posted 30 points in the Hilltoppers' first scrimmage, a two-hour affair at the South practice fields.
Reaves ended the day with a team-high four receptions for 92 yards, collecting WKU's first touchdown on a 45-yard pass from Jason Michael in the first half before ending the event with a 38-yard catch from Antone Towns in the left corner of the end zone.
Michael was 6-for-13 for 86 yards with the touchdown and an interception, while Towns added five completions for 68 yards. Perez Smith had a nine-yard completion and Alex Dukes went 3-for-4 for 32 yards in the second half.
Carlos Smith recorded three catches for 28 yards, while Jon Frazier, Casey Rooney and Montez Trumbo added two receptions each.
"I was pleased that both the first- and second-team offenses were able to protect the ball despite the conditions," head coach Jack Harbaugh said . "Both units were definitely more consistent than what we saw in the spring. Jason and Antone did a good job running the team - today was indicative of how they are getting better with more reps in camp this month.
"We need to find a go-to guy in the passing game, someone who can reduce the risk of an interception because he is willing and able to go up and get the ball," he added. "I think Jerome can develop into that kind of guy."
Frazier led the Topper rushing attack with 59 yards on 11 carries, breaking off five runs of five yards or more in his last six attempts - the senior finished with 75 all-purpose yards. Reggie Dent added nine carries for 46 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown run on the third series of the second half, while Tariq Smith posted 22 yards on seven attempts (all in the second half). Jeremi Johnson had five rushes for 12 yards, with a 14-yard burst down the right sideline on one of his final carries.
"Jon Frazier ran hard today - I don't think a lot of people realize that as a senior at Muhlenberg North High School he led the state in rushing," said Harbaugh. "He's not a big guy and we might not have been fair to him in the past bouncing him around from wingback to wide receiver, but he is showing patience at running back and taking advantage of this opportunity in practice.
"And, Reggie had a slow start where it was obvious he wasn't able to turn it loose. But today we were able to see what the coaches at Iowa State saw. He's strong and has exceptional balance, which he showed on that touchdown run.
"We are starting to see our quarterback and running back situations develop, and it looks like we might be able to find a go-to receiver, so that is encouraging," he concluded.
Sherrod Coates recorded three tackles, including two for loss, with a forced fumble and a pass broken up for the defense. Karl Maslowski and Teco Dickerson each posted three stops as well, while Jeremy Chandler collected two tackles and broke up a pair of passes. The Western defense forced three three-and-outs, and also stopped the offense on both of its fourth down conversion attempts.
Brian Lowder and Josh Wyrick each intercepted a pass.
"The defense played well, but it was not up their standards from previous scrimmages," Harbaugh said.
On special teams, Peter Martinez converted 3-of-4 field goal attempts - he was good from 44, 37 and 32 yards - and also hit each of his three PATs. The Hilltoppers also worked on punting prior to the start of each half.
"Peter was consistent this afternoon, and that first field goal was a bomb," Harbaugh stated. "Brian Claybourn was a pleasant surprise last fall finishing second in the Gateway Conference in average, and I think he's even better this season."
Western returns to practice Monday, the first day of classes on the Hill. The Red-White Game will take place Saturday (Aug. 24), while the regular season opens Aug. 31 at 6:10 p.m. (CDT) when the Toppers face I-A Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan.
- WKU -
