|
The Upper Iowa football team held their Blue-White Spring Game on Saturday, April 28, at Eischeid Stadium in Fayette. The game featured a modified scoring system as the Peacock offense (White) battled the Peacock defense (Blue).
The offense scored two touchdowns in the first half. The first score was on a 35-yard pass from Jay Lehman to Curtis Crittendon, who adjusted to the deep ball and made an over-the-shoulder catch for the touchdown. The second offensive score was a 13-yard pass and catch from Kevin Linnell to Dwayne Croker, who broke a tackle at the four to get in the end zone on third down. The defense was able to score a touchdown of their own as they forced a fumble at their 45 yard line. The ball was picked up by Blaise Dillenberg and returned 55 yards for a touchdown. The halftime score was 48-40 as the offense clung to an eight point lead. Croker picked up where he left off in the first half with a 48-yard reverse. Croker raced to the edge and after a monster block by Jared Jandrain sealed the outside. The offense capitalized as Linnell found Ryan Hudgins in the corner of the end zone for another score. Hudgins dove and made an outstanding catch on the throw. The defense picked up some more points as Derek Cassel intercepted a pass for a turnover. On the offenses next possession, T.C. Hicks had a sensational run for 35 yards and followed it with a 14 yard scamper. Steve Stene capped the drive off by pounding it in from two yards out. Malcom Cole and Danny Williams tied the game at 84-84 as they grabbed interceptions on back-to-back possessions. The offense won the game on their last possession scoring points on back-to-back third down completions that resulted in first downs. Both first downs were picked up on passes from Linnell to Croker; the first for 16 yards and the second for 39 yards. Linnell finished the drive on a quarterback rollout to the right as he scored from three yards out. The final score was 99-84 as the offense won the scrimmage. On the day the defense came up with seven stops and two sacks, one credited to the team and one to Sam Moultrie. Overall, the Peacock’s skill positions still look impressive and the addition of Travis Grace, Steve Stene, and Mike Minikwu to an already potent core of running backs could be very beneficial. Linnell and Lehman each looked good in their time at the helm. The group that really stuck out on the day was the offensive line who provided good blocking up front and good holes for the runners. The Peacock football team looked like they are ready to pick up from last season and continue moving forward as they prepare for their second season in the Northern Sun. |
  |
