SAN DIEGO – Former Aztecs had a busy week in professional sports.
Atlanta safety Damontae Kazee had a good game in Carolina in the Falcons' 29-3 win. After seven picks last year, he had his first interception of the season. Kazee picked off Kyle Allen in the red zone and returned it for ten yards late in the fourth quarter. The takeaway helped Atlanta put the game away. Kazee also had three solo tackles and a pass defensed, while playing on 65 snaps on defense and 8 on special teams. Atlanta begins a three-game homestand Sunday vs. Tampa Bay.
Last Wednesday, Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and had 12 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block in 40-plus minutes in the Los Angeles Clippers 102-93 loss to the Houston Rockets. He suffered a left knee contusion in the game and missed the next three, but is expected back against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
Kazee wasn't the only former Aztec playing in the NFL in Week 11. Kameron Kelly played a snap on defense and 17 snaps on special teams for Pittsburgh on Thursday night in Cleveland. The Steelers travel to Cincinnati for a game on Sunday. Aaron Brewer played in nine special teams snaps for Arizona in Week 11. The Cardinals are on bye in Week 12 before returning to action against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13. San Francisco offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill appeared in four snaps on special teams in a win over the Cardinals. The 49ers will play Green Bay on Sunday Night Football. Nick Bawden played in two snaps on offense and 11 snaps on special teams for Detroit before leaving with a knee injury. Bawden did not return to the game and was moved to injured reserve by the Lions, ending his season. Rashaad Penny and the Seattle Seahawks were on bye. They will play in Philadelphia on Sunday. Former Aztec offensive tackle Ryan Pope was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad. Calvin Munson is on the practice squad for the New England Patriots. Kahale Warring is on injured reserve for the Houston Texans.
In the world of golf, two former Aztecs appeared in the OHL Classic this weekend. Scott Piercy tied for 26th at 8-under par and J.J. Spaun tied for 30th at 3-over par.