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Viking’s offense airs out defense

The Portland State football offense exhibited its air power once again in its 21-12 win over the defense during the annual spring game.

Although the offense scores were tallied in official style, the defense earned points for defensive touchdowns (6), forcing turnovers (3), forcing three-and-outs (3) or for creating defensive stops by forcing fourth downs (1).

The game, held at Lake Oswego High School, consisted of 11 series with 95 plays. Of those 11 series, All Big Sky quarterback Juston Wood, led two and connected for points in both.

Behind Wood, the Vikings offense took to the air early and went up 7-0 after Wood found Jesse Levin for a 17-yard touchdown. Levin was a clutch receiver for the Vikings last season and will be needed even more with the loss of NFL draftee Terry Charles. The point after was good by Mike Cajal-Willis, who was three for three on the day.

Wood ended the day after two series. He went eight for 10 with 111 yards and two touchdowns.

After back-up quarterback Joe Wiser was picked off by Amad Robinson, Wood came back in to lead a second scoring drive. Wood connected with Jay Williams for a 45-yard touchdown and gave the offense a 14-3 cushion.

The defense kept up the fight, adding seven unanswered points, consisting of four series stops and a fumble recovery by defensive end Ricky Holani. The defense had a total of six series stops on the day.

With Wood done for the day, Wiser put the only other points up for the offense when he connected with wide-out Antonio Jackson for a five-yard touchdown. This was the longest of the scoring drives totaling 13 plays for 75 yards.

The Vikings offence displayed its deep backfield again. Starter Ryan Fuqua carried the ball only twice, for 15 yards, then sat out with a mild hip pointer. With Fuqua out, back-ups Hashim Hall, who had 10 carries for 51 yards and Saleem Muhammad, who carried eight times for 32 yards and also had four receptions for 26 yards, did the job. Running back Joe Rubin contributed with 15 carries for 72 yards.

The Vikings open their season at home this coming fall when Stephen F. Austin comes to PGE Park Aug. 31.