Senior quarterbacks Kavin Williams and Spencer Crace both had standout seasons for the University of Puget Sound.
Just not in the same year.
Last season, Williams threw for 1,286 yards while Crace threw for 1,261 yards in 2007 after Williams fractured his scapula in the first game.
Williams remains the starter, but Crace has been getting a shot to help the struggling Loggers offense.
UPS, 0-3 heading into today’s Nortwwest Conference opener against Menlo at Baker Stadium, has scored 27 points this season.
“Kavin is getting the majority of the reps, and they use me in certain situations to give a different look,” said Crace, who has completed 8 of 10 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.
“He’s probably our best athlete on offense ... he’s the hardest worker on our team. He’s one of the strongest and one of the fastest. The guy just works really hard.”
Williams earned second-team all-NWC honors last year but has yet to get on track.
Although he leads the Loggers with 180 yards rushing, he has struggled throwing the ball, completing 20 of 47 passes (42.6 percent) for 180 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
“I felt like that I did some good things last season,” Williams said. “But I felt like I played inconsistent. I wanted to come back and improve on that.”
Crace, who passed for 1,261 yards and four TDs in place of Williams in 2007, has had to adjust to being a backup. It wasn’t easy for the Wilsonville, Ore., product at first.
“I learned to accept my role,” Crace said. “I’m fine with it. I want to be a positive example for the team and be ready in however the team wants to use me. It’s been a good experience and I’ve learned a lot through it.”
Williams said he doesn’t care who’s the quarterback as long as Loggers are finding the end zone.
That’s been a problem so far as UPS has scored 14, 6 and 7 points in their three games.
Crace, after not playing in the season opener, threw four passes in the second game and then completed all six of his attempts in the third game against Wisconsin-Whitewater.
“I feel like the last three weeks we’ve really come a long ways,” Crace said. “We’re such a young team. After last week (a 42-7 loss to No. 2 Wisconsin-Whitewater), the young guys got the opportunity to see what a big time football program is like. ... We’re focused going into conference.”
TODAY
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Menlo at University of puget sound
1 p.m., Baker Stadium
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Pacific lutheran at GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS
11 a.m., 1180-AM
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