The men’s football team had their annual Spring Game on Saturday, which was a 138-play scrimmage between the Golden Hurricane offense and defense. The game featured three different quarterbacks — Luke Skipper, Chad President and Will Hefley — combined for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Skipper had the best day of the three, completing 16 passes for 173 and two TDs in the scrimmage.
Four different running backs finished with over 60 yards including Corey Taylor (75), Javon Thomas (74), Ramadi Warren (69) and D’Angelo Brewer (62). The Golden Hurricane had two 1,000 yard rushers last season and will look to continue the strong running game in the fall.
Jesse Brubaker was the top defensive player for the Golden Hurricane’s first team racking up three sacks for 19 yards. Sophomore safety Manny Bunch recorded 10.5 tackles and sophomore linebacker Robert Revels III had the only interception in the game.
In the first drive of the game, the first-team offense moved the ball 75 yards capped off with a two-yard run by Taylor for the touchdown. Skipper led the Golden Hurricane’s third drive which ended with another touchdown, this time with a 16 yard pass to Justin Hobbs for the score.
The first-team defense started strong with three straight drives where they forced turnovers, either on downs or punts.
“I thought we were consistent at times, but not at the level we need to be. I thought our first defense played well, especially early and were really aggressive in the way we were playing,” said Head Coach Philip Montgomery.
The offense scored a total of six touchdowns and one field goal to end the day, capped by an 80-yard touchdown pass to David Snelling.
“Offensively, the first group established some things running the ball. It was pretty difficult to throw the ball the way the wind was today, but I thought we executed at times in those situations. Overall I was pleased. I thought our effort was good and we got out healthy,” Montgomery said after the game.
The biggest question for the Golden Hurricane is the quarterback position because three-year starter Dane Evans is graduating this season. Montgomery addressed that question at the end of the game yesterday.
“We’re not going to name a starter until we get into fall camp and it will probably be several weeks into fall camp. We’ll see how those guys continue to battle with each other. The competition has been really good. They’re stepping up, they’re learning a lot, and until we get them under the lights you never know.”
The Golden Hurricane football team will open up their season against Oklahoma State on Sept. 2.
