Correspondent photo / Robert Hayes. YSU senior CJ Charleston gains yardage during the first half of the Penguins intrasquad scrimmage Saturday morning.

YOUNGSTOWN — Round 1 goes to the defense.

Youngstown State held its first of two intrasquad scrimmages Saturday morning at Stambaugh Stadium, with the defense — particularly the first and second teamers — faring well against their offensive counterparts.

“This was an important day. We ran 100 plays today, and that was intentional,” YSU coach Doug Phillips said. “We had the heat. We had to play physical; we had to play violent. The defense I thought really rose up. There’s 25 guys that played in those games last year on the defensive side of the ball, so that was the expectation.

“But not only that, it gets our offense better. If we can block them and execute plays against our defense, we feel confident going into the season we can do that against our opponents.”

The defense forced three-and-outs on two of its first three drives and held the offense scoreless through all three. The offense finally got on the board with a 37-yard field goal from Andrew Lastovka, which was set up by a handful of penalties in the secondary.

Jordan Trowers, a pass interference call notwithstanding, had a strong day, posting seven tackles, including 2.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks.

Michael Voitus had two TFLs and a sack, while Dylan Wudke recorded a sack, too.

Gage Salyers, Preston Zandier, Michael Voitus, Logan Pasco and Alex Howard each had three stops, while freshman Jaylen Castleberry had three pass breakups. Isaiah Crozier, Jordan Rudolph and Amarian Robinson each deflected a pass.

The defense’s biggest play came by way of a pick-6 by Mike Wells, who tipped a Beau Brungard pass at the line of scrimmage before catching it and taking off for a 55-yard return.

“We have a lot of people coming back,” said Anthony Johnson, who had two tackles and a TFL. “We’re trying to play fast and physical, and we still have a lot of work to do. But we’re taking the right steps each day, so we’re going to keep going to be the best defense in the country.”

The offense eventually found its rhythm, as Mitch Davidson hit Bryce Oliver for a 55-yard gain to the defense’s 25, then a couple plays later, Davidson connected with CJ Charleston for 20-yard touchdown pass.

Brungard led a touchdown drive on the next possession, capped by a Cephus Harris touchdown run of three yards.

Perhaps most impressive for the offense was Tyshon King, who ran for 30 yards on seven carries but also added several receptions on check-down throws to showcase his versatility as the team’s backup running back. Starter Dra Rushton did not participate.

“Experience. He played at Northern Michigan and had over 1,000 yards up there. So we kind of know (what he brings),” Phillips said of King. “He’s probably more used to pulls, power and counters. Now he’s learning the inside zone. But each day, just like Jaleel (McLaughlin) — I remember Jaleel’s spring season, he wasn’t a true inside zone guy, but he learned it — and I think the more reps Tyshon gets, (the more he’ll keep improving).”

Phillips added, “And we know what Dra can do. We probably don’t need to see too much of what Dra can do right now. But I feel very good about our whole running back room.”

Harris tallied 40 yards on seven runs, while Da’Shaun Whatley had 48 yards on six carries. Davidson completed 13 of 20 passes for 135 yards.

“It took us a second there to get going,” Davidson acknowledged. “The defense was flying around making plays, and it took us a couple drives to get settled in, but I thought once we got settled in (we played well).”

The Penguins stand two and a half weeks from their opener with Valparaiso, who visits Stambaugh Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 31.

“I truly believe coming out against Valpo, it’s going to be a show,” Davidson said. “It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be exciting football in Youngstown.”

jwhetzel@tribtoday.com