Garretson sets record in win over Hawaii
In just the second start of his young career, Darell Garretson is in the school record book.
The freshman threw for 370 yards Saturday, setting the mark for most passing yards by a freshman quarterback in USU history in a 47-10 win over Hawaii at Romney Stadium.
“Well, it wasn’t my record that he broke, I can tell you that,” said USU head coach Matt Wells. “That’s what we want out of him. We want him to play a little bit better each and every week. I thought he was very efficient, except for the pick, which was all technique. I thought he played really well. He played within the system, he knew when he was in the red zone. I’m happy with his maturity and his progress over three weeks. He’s got to keep getting a little better for us down the stretch.”
The Aggies rode Garretson’s 370 yards and three touchdowns to victory, as he found three different receivers for scores and completed a pass to seven different receivers. Garretson found Bruce Natson on the opening drive for a 7-0 lead a little more than five minutes into the game.
Garretson also hit Travis Reynolds for a 30-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, as well as Wyatt Houston for a 44-yard score early in the fourth quarter to cap the scoring.
USU’s offense saw little resistance from the Rainbow Warriors, amassing more than 500 yards for the fourth time this season.
Garretson said Reynolds and Joey DeMartino played a big role in his success.
“They make plays all the time, especially Travis Reynolds. He had a great three or four catches today, and Ronald Butler made some really good catches today as well,” Garretson said. “And like I said, going back to the line, the line did a great job to give me the time I needed to do that, so kudos to them.”
The Aggies’ defense also got in on the scoring act, highlighted by a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Kyler Fackrell in the third quarter for a 40-10 lead.
“I think that was checkmate,” Wells said. “That changed the momentum. Any time you can score a defensive touchdown, that’s huge. I’m happy for Kyler.”
Utah State’s defensive limited Hawaii to 319 total yards of offense, intercepting Warrior quarterback Sean Schroeder three times and recording two sacks.
Fackrell led all players with nine tackles to go along with his interception, garnering Mountain West Conference player of the week honors.
USU is 2-1 since losing quarterback Chuckie Keeton, something Wells said shows the teams ability against adversity.
“It’s just a testament to their resiliency. It shows the character of these kids in the locker room and the character of the program. All four guys on offense that we’ve lost had a huge impact. It was the defense guys stepping up verbally and the offensive guys rallying around a young quarterback and replacements. It’s been next man up, and I’m proud of those guys,” Well said. “It all goes back to your character – the way you act and the way you train. When it’s tough times, the character of people comes out. It’s easy to have a good attitude and to practice and play hard when things are going good. When you face some adversity, that’s when you find out your metal.”
The Aggies improved to 5-4 overall this season and 4-1 in MWC play to remain atop the Mountain Division with co-leader Boise State. The winner of the division will earn a spot in the inaugural MWC Championship on Dec. 7.
— curtislundstrom@gmail.com
Twitter: @CurtSport07