Usually you see the Green and White face off with colors of another school, however, on Sunday the Green took on the White for the EMU Spring Football Game.
This year, the game ran a little different. Instead of having the offense wear green jerseys with the defense in white jerseys, the first string offense and second string defense wore white jerseys while the first string defense and second string offense wore green. This allowed each team equal opportunity to score and the white took the 14-7 win.
The scrimmage marks the end of spring drills and this year was the first time that EMU was able to use their practice facility to hold in-door practices while there was snow on the field. During this year the Eagles focused on laying a solid foundation that they could build off of in the coming season.
“Our focus this off season has been our foundation,” Javon Reese said. “Integrity first, trust, belief, embracing the process and poise.”
“We’ve been been trying to build a foundation,” Matthew Brown added, “and we continue to build off of that foundation.”
Not only does the scrimmage put a nice finishing touch on spring drills but it also allows fans the chance to get a glimpse of what they will see in the upcoming fall season. Younger players, such as back up quarter back Tyler Benz, are seen on the field for the first time while others have the chance to manifest their improvements.
During the off season, last year’s back up quarter back Devontae Payne made the decision to transfer leaving an open position.
According to head coach Ron English, you can expect to see Benz playing that role.
“He can do the things that we need him to do,” English said.
Other vacancies came up as a few Eagles players graduated this year. One of the bigger vacancies is at the running back position as EMU has lost Dwayne Priest, a player who led the team in rushing yards. The decision has not been made yet as to who will be stepping up to fill that spot but there are a few prospects.
“I don’t know if we have a clear-cut yet,” English said. “You saw Jevonte Green today and a little bit of Snoop. Those two will have to battle it out for the position along with some of the junior college transfers.”
The Eagles will have a few weeks off before they begin summer practices and further preparations for the fall 2011 season.
