Jarick Howard
Staff writer
Extreme wind conditions could not keep the WT football team from holding its annual spring game as the Maroon squad came away with a 14-7 victory over the White team last Saturday at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium.
An estimated 500 fans were in attendance for the game, despite a dust storm warning issued by the National Weather Service. Wind gusts were upwards of 55 mph.
Both squads were unable to get anything going in the first two quarters. But it was the defense that came through for the Maroon squad in the third quarter.
Linebacker Mark Ford returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown.
Minutes later, it was Linebacker Anthony Scott who returned an interception 32 yards for another touchdown. The Maroon squad went up 14-0.
“I feel really good about the defense,” Don Carthel, head coach, said. “We have improved on making the big plays and we want to continue working on that.”
The White team would add a score in the third quarter when back-up quarterback Kyler Hill threw to wide receiver Coleman Gibbs from 12 yards out, cutting the lead 14-7 Maroon squad.
Both defenses held the offense out of the endzone in the fourth quarter, giving the Maroon squad the 14-7 victory.
Taylor Harris, pinned to be the Buffs starting quarterback next fall, completed 7-of-15 passes for 68 yards in one quarter of work. His long completion was a 16-yarder to Wade Langley.
“It was difficult for the quarterbacks because of the wind,” Carthel said. “We have faith in Taylor [Harris] that he is ready to lead this team.”
Defensively, linebackers Mark Ford and Anthony Scott each had 5 tackles and an interception for a touchdown for the Maroon squad.
The White defense was led by defensive back Curtis Slater, who had four tackles and one interception.
The Buffs open the 2009 season, Aug. 29, when they host Grand Valley State. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium.