No. 1 defense holds strong in Saints scrimmage
The Saints No. 1 defense held their offensive counterpart scoreless, proving that the squad that's still trying to hammer down its top two lines has plenty of muscle during the final spring scrimmage in Nelson Stadium.
"We came out and said we weren't going to give up any points," said sophomore linebacker Thomas Dolan. "They were able to get inside the 30-yard line and then we shut them down."
The top defensive squad gave up a total of 129 yards on 35 plays (3.7 ypp) against the first- and second-string offenses, using everything including its nickel and red-zone defenses. Carroll's total offense, meanwhile, finished with 424 yards, 22 first downs and three TDs on 112 snaps. Story
Carroll’s Gordon taking on new responsibilities
Mac Gordon knows he has some big shoes to fill.
Not only has he moved to the "Mike" linebacker spot, which for the past three years has been dominated by All-American and 2008 NAIA Player of the Year Owen Koeppen, but the Carroll College junior is also the only remaining starter from last fall's linebacking corps.
After graduating five linebackers, three of them starters and the two others as top backups and special teams players, the Saints have needed some strong senior leadership over the spring. Gordon hasn't waited until after the summer to step into the role. Story
Defense, offense square off at Saints’ first scrimmage
The Carroll College football team's defense brought the intensity early to Saturday's scrimmage at Nelson Stadium, but the offense certainly gained some control in the end.
The Purple and White went back-and-forth as the Saints' No. 1 defense held its offensive counterpart to three straight three-and-outs before starting quarterback Gary Wagner and the bunch could make a dent.
"That first defense out, we came out with a lot of intensity, our heads were on and we just flew to the ball," said junior linebacker Mac Gordon. "It seemed like we got the offense a little flustered, and so maybe that was why we were so successful." Story
Injured Saints return to the playing field
No limping allowed. That's going to be the motto for the Carroll College football players as the Purple and White teams face off today in the Saints' first scrimmage of the spring season, scheduled to begin around 11 a.m. in Nelson Stadium.
After a fall filled with torn ligaments, nasty knocks and surgery after surgery, many of the Saints are just happy to step on the field pain-free.
None more than Gary Wagner. Story
Saints back at the practice fields
Spring football has officially begun for Carroll College.
The five-time NAIA national champions and runners-up in 2008 returned to the practice fields and Nelson Stadium on Monday, going through the motions as they replenish their ranks from the previous season.
The Saints, who were 13-1 and ranked second in postseason polls after losing to No. 1 University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) 23-7 in the national title game Dec. 20 in Rome, Ga., were expected to practice earlier in the spring, but inclement weather pushed their workouts back a week. Story
Saints 2009 Football Schedule Set
Helena-MT. The nine-time defending Frontier Conference Football Champion Carroll College Fighting Saints will face a premier NAIA loaded schedule in 2009, announced Head Football coach Mike Van Diest.
The Saints will open the season at home on August 29th when the Cougars of Azusa Pacific make the trip to Nelson Stadium. This marks the fifth time the two teams have locked up dating back to the 2004 season. Carroll has won the four prior contests including both teams 2008 opener in Azusa where the Saints came away with a 41-22 decision.
“Were excited to have 6 home football games during the 2009 regular season, highlighted by bringing in Azusa Pacific,” said Van Diest. “Its nice to be able to kickoff the season with the home opener. Carroll-Azusa has been a great rivalry since the 2004 season.”
The remainder of the schedule is comprised of the ever tough 10 game home-and-home match up between Frontier Conference rivals Montana Tech, Montana Western, Rocky Mountain, MSU-Northern, and Eastern Oregon.
“In the frontier conference Northern, Tech, and Western, are much improved,” said Van Diest. “Each have tough quarterbacks returning, it should make for an awesome display of offence again across the frontier.
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