San Diego, CA—–The San Diego State Aztecs football closed out their spring schedule Saturday with a competitive scrimmage that highlighted depth at quarterback and a defense capable of making game-changing plays.
Quarterbacks Jayden Denegal, Stone Saunders, and Draiden Trudeau each directed scoring drives, giving the coaching staff a strong look at their options heading into the fall. While the offense showed flashes, the defense matched it with physical play, including a critical goal-line stop and multiple negative plays.
Denegal helped set the tone early, guiding the first unit deep into scoring territory with the help of a 40-yard completion to Daishaun Davis on fourth down. The drive stalled just short of the end zone when the defense stuffed a fourth-and-goal attempt at the 1-yard line.
Trudeau later led one of the more methodical drives of the day, marching the offense downfield before Christian Washington finished it with a short touchdown run. Saunders followed with a scoring drive of his own, highlighted by a key fourth-down conversion and a 31-yard touchdown pass to Derek Stevenson.
Late in the scrimmage, both Denegal and Saunders executed efficient two-minute drills that resulted in field goals from Cooper DiLeva and Lane Garner, capping the day’s scoring.
Saunders led all passers with 144 yards and a touchdown, while Denegal added 92 yards through the air. Trudeau was sharp in limited reps, completing all of his attempts. Stevenson, Donovan Brown, and Javion Kinnard paced the receiving group, with Kinnard also contributing on the ground.
Defensively, Alijah Lash and Kaimana Tufaga led the way with six tackles each. Mike Lindsay added five tackles and multiple pass breakups, while Brady Nassar recorded the day’s only interception. The unit finished with several tackles for loss and multiple sacks, consistently disrupting the offense.
The scrimmage also served as a fan event, featuring postgame activities, youth engagement, and appearances from head coach Sean Lewis and team representatives.
With a successful spring in the books, San Diego State now shifts focus to the upcoming season and its transition into the Pac-12 Conference, where it will open at home against Portland State Vikings football.
