Andrews, Sanchez hope to help Nevada

Carson High graduate Ray Sanchez and Douglas High graduate Joe Andrews are still fighting for their share of playing time for the University of Nevada as the season approaches.

Redshirt freshman Damon Fine has been named as the starting placekicker for Saturday's 6 p.m. game at BYU. Sanchez, a senior, and Fine have been in a battle for their share of playing time at the position.

Andrews, a redshirt freshman, wasn't expected to make the trip to BYU or any other road game this season.

But Andrews was expected to dress for home games where he hopes to receive some playing time. The 6-5, 260-pound Andrews received about 10 to 20 plays at center during Nevada's first scrimmage of its fall camp.

He hopes to earn a starting job or at least crack the two-deep as soon as next year. Nevada coach Chris Tormey has said that Andrews has a chance to crack the two-deep by next season.

Andrews admitted that missing virtually all of last season due to shoulder surgery has set him back. He also knows he needs to become bigger.

"I'm just trying to stay with it," Andrews said. "It was really tough having the surgery last year. It's put me a year behind."

Andrews, though, said he's still hopeful to receive more playing time than expected this year. "Things can change within a week," he said. "Anything's possible I guess."

Sanchez was able to keep the competition for the starting placeking job in perspective. "Each of us have our days," he said about the competition.

Fine gained an advantage during Nevada's first scrimmage. Fine was 4-of-4 on his field goal attempts while Sanchez was just 2-of-4. "Last Saturday wasn't a good day for me at all," said Sanchez about the first scrimmage.

In Nevada's final scrimmage, Fine made a 21-yard field goal and all his extra points.

Sanchez, though, remains upbeat and said it's always been fun to be a part of the Nevada program.

LIVERATTI AT PENN STATE

Marc Liveratti, a 2000 Carson High graduate, made the Penn State football team last spring as a walk-on. Liveratti was hoping to make the squad as one of the 100 players to make the preseason team in the fall.

But Liveratti's efforts were stalled due to minor surgery and he's now a member of the Nittany Lions' scout team as a strong safety.