A promising start amid competition
Washington State University’s Cougars opened their fall scrimmage with a burst of energy, as sophomore running back Maxwell Woods broke off runs of 16 and 13 yards on the first three plays, setting a tone of explosiveness on offense.
The quarterback battle among Caden Pinnick, Owen Eshelman and Julian Dugger remained unsettled, yet Dugger’s 51‑yard strike and a subsequent touchdown pass highlighted his arm strength, while Pinnick directed a field‑goal drive that kept the scoreboard ticking.
On defense, Linus Zunk and Matyus McLain vied for the starting defensive end role, each expressing frustration over missed sack opportunities and praising each other’s impact, while cornerbacks Elmo Wartson and Jahil Tucker delivered hard‑hitting plays that turned heads.
Freshman running back Tre Hill Jr. capped the session with an 11‑yard touchdown, and the offense’s red‑zone lockout after Dugger’s score underscored the team’s ability to execute under pressure, even as penalties and decision‑making still needed tightening.
First‑year coach Kirby Moore praised Woods for his pre‑dawn training habits, noting the sophomore’s dedication, while acknowledging that the defense must improve technique and trust to reduce infractions.
The scrimmage simulated game‑day conditions with crowd noise and staged atmosphere elements, giving players a realistic preview of upcoming challenges as they prepare for the season.