The defense stole the show at the 4th Annual Blue vs. Gold spring football scrimmage, defeating the offense, 15-12, on Saturday, April 27 at Nelsonville’s Polley Field.
The first-half was played in two, 12-play drives. The offense scored a point for every first down and the defense scored a point for every three plays they held the offense to fewer than 10 yards.
Sophomore quarterback Tony White led the offense to two first downs – one on a leaping catch by freshman receiver Trenton Bridenthal to give the offense a 2-0 lead, but the defense finished the half with three straight stops to take a 3-2 lead into halftime.
The second-half was played in two, 10-minute running quarters. The offense could score two points for a first down, three for a field goal, and six for a touchdown. The defense could score three points for a three-and-out (no first down), four points for a 4th-down stop, and six points for a turnover (interception or recovered fumble).
The offense rolled up five first downs (10 points) in the second-half on a nice combination of running plays and pass plays. However, the defense came up with two defensive stops (three points each) and a big interception by freshman free safety Aaron Turner on a deep sideline pass from White. That interception (six points) was the difference in the scrimmage as the defense prevailed.
The Hawks open the 2019 football schedule at Erie (NY) Community College on August 31. The home opener is set for Sept. 14 against the Georgia Knights Prep Academy at 1 p.m.