Defense Wins Football Spring Game 36-25

Staff Writer

   The defense answer head football coach Gwaine Mathews’s challenge by posting a first-quarter shut out and a 35-26 win over the offense.

Courtesy of Media Services

The Pitch - Scott Buisson makes a pitch during the football team's practice for the Spring Game.  Buisson made 90 yards through the air and 55 yards on the ground for a total of 145 yards in the game during the Spring Game held at Monticello High School's Hyatt Field Saturday, April 26.

   One day before the game Saturday, April 26, Mathews challenged his defense to play an entire scrimmage and learn to play as a unit.

   “I think we (defense) played a whole scrimmage today,” Mathews said. “They looked much better as a whole unit.”

   A shift in the momentum came in the second-half when the offense took over on the ground with a 42-yard touchdown run by freshman running back Johnny Polite. The defense broke down last week and lost its mental focus when the offense scored on two straight possessions.

   “We realize they had the momentum, but we raised our intensity to match theirs,” freshman defensive tackle Jerod “Miami” Harrell said. “After playing today, I think we have one of the best defenses and offenses in the conference.”

   The defense responded with two consecutive three-and-outs and a forced fumble, shifting the momentum back to the defense for good.

   Once again the defense drew first blood, posting a shut-out in the first quarter 14-0. 

   The Boll Weevil’s will now take time to focus on final exams this next week, and then begin another round of off-season conditioning and workouts before reporting back to Fall Camp the first week of August.

   “Right now is when you get better (off-season) and see who really wants to win” sophomore line-backer Vincent Jackson said. “You work out on your own during the summer without supervision; it separates the people who are really committed to making us a contender next year.”

   The Boll Weevil’s kick off the 2008 season Saturday, Aug. 30 against University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff at 6 p.m. in Pine Bluff.

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