Central Michigan University Athletics
Offense Tops Defense, 73-59, in Spring Football Game
4/8/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 8, 2006
MOUNT PLEASANT - The offense showcased a stable of playmakers in claiming a 73-59 win over the defense in Central Michigan University's spring football game on Saturday.
Utilizing a modified scoring system that rewarded it for first downs and plays of over 10 yards, the offense found the end zone three times and put together a number of extended drives. Not to be out-done, the Chippewa defense tallied a trio of turnovers, forced 11 punts in 21 possessions and nearly found the end zone itself.
On a day of big plays, Brian Brunner and Bryan Anderson hooked up for one of the biggest on the scrimmage's opening snap. Brunner found Anderson in stride down the middle of the field for a 46-yard gain on the first play. Five plays later, Ontario Sneed ran through the right side untouched for a score on second-and-six.
The second offensive group moved from its own 30-yard line to the defense's 38, keyed by a 13-yard completion from Duane Brooks to Allen Ollenburger and an 11-yard Brooks run, on its initial possession, but Chris Wohlgamuth and Evan Brownie stopped Anthony Boykins for no gain to stall the drive on fourth-and-three.
Dan LeFevour was under center for the first offense's second possession and led the group to a field goal. He completed passes to Obed Cetoute (13 yards) and Anderson (11) midway through the possession before Albreski converted a 30-yard field goal from the right hash.
Pacino Horne, who made the move from safety to corner at the beginning of spring drills, made the play of the day for the defense. In the second quarter, he stepped in front of an out route thrown by Brunner and returned the interception 51 yards down the east sideline to the 15-yard line. Horne was eventually tracked down by Joe Staley and Brunner to prevent the touchdown.
The defense's second turnover would come three possessions later when Calvin Hissong would dislodge the ball from Clifford Gilliam. Safety Curtis Cutts recovered a Sean Price fumble two drives later for the defense.
The offense found paydirt twice in the third quarter. On second-and-20, Brunner dropped a short pass to Anthony Boykins that turned into a 58-yard touchdown. Later in the period, LeFevour opened a possession with a 36-yard completion to Justin Gardner and, two plays later, found Gardner again for a four-yard score.
Unofficially, Brunner finished the day 8-of-12 passing for 190 yards with a touchdown and an interception. LeFevour was 10-of-13 for 107 yards and a score. Boykins led all rushers with 58 yards on 13 carries, while Duane Brooks finished with 38 yards on seven attempts. Sneed had the Chippewas' lone rushing touchdown, but played sparingly following his scoring run.
Anderson led the receiving corps with five catches for 76 yards, while Boykins made three catches count for 74 yards. Gardner and Damien Linson caught four balls apiece, while Sneed and Cetoute hauled in three passes.
CMU will close spring drills with five practices over the next two weeks.
All stats from Saturday's spring game are unofficial.
