Stoll, defense dominate Griz scrimmage

MISSOULA, Mont. — Former Sandpoint standout and senior starting safety Erik Stoll and the Montana defense dominated the team’s final scrimmage of the fall, giving particular trouble to quarterback Andrew Selle, who completed just 1 of 9 passes.

The 6-foot-2, 205 pound safety is the Grizzlies leading returning tackler, having posted 98 stops during a junior season that earned him an honorable mention All-Big Sky Conference pick.

“Erik Stoll has had an outstanding camp and just continues to get better and better,” said defensive coordinator Mike Breske. “We didn’t see Erik in the spring because he was hurt, but he is playing very, very fast at the strong safety position.”

Stoll, whose younger brother Kurt is also a defensive back for the Griz, has the size and speed combination that has him listed on at least one national NFL prospect list at safety. He’s also stepped into a leadership roll as one of the top returning seniors, having grabbed two interceptions last season.

“We are still looking for leaders,” said Montana head coach Robin Pflugrad after the scrimmage. “Andrew Selle has really been the guy on offense and Erik Stoll on defense.”

The offense completed 17 of 33 passes for 122 yards and rushed for another 67 yards in the 54-play scrimmage Thursday morning.

Montana opens the 2010 season on Sept. 4 with a home game against Western State of Colorado.