Defense dominates in final scrimmage

By Brad Crawford
Assistant Sports Editor

The UNCP defense outlasted the Braves’ offense 42-35 April 3 in the second annual Black and Gold spring football game at recently named Grace P. Johnson Stadium.

The spring game was the conclusion of 15 spring practices in a 74-play scrimmage that lasted more than 90 minutes.

The defense posted their final scoreboard edge on the strength of six turnovers.

The Black and Gold defense accumulated seven sacks and eight tackles for loss against UNCP’s offense, as the game’s score was based on a point system for superior plays being awarded high values.

Despite light rain and temperatures in the 40s, coach Pete Shinnick was pleased with the estimated 1,000 in attendance.

Quarterbacks Cory Smith and Ryan Horton, who both split time under center in 2007 following Matt Evans’ season-ending neck injury, both tossed two touchdown passes each and combined for 165 yards through the air.

Running back Rashon Kennedy picked up 39 yards on 11 carries.

Seasoned vet
Junior offensive lineman Kevin Inman, a 6-foot center from Hope Mills, N.C., said he notices a more focused mindset for this year’s group of players in comparison to last season.

“We had a bunch of 18-year-old kids last year that were just learning what college football is all about,” Inman said.

“Now we bring those same guys back that have a year of experience under their belt and I think that will really pay off for us once this season officially begins,” he said.

Shinnick said the player’s understand the importance of strength and conditioning exercises before summer break as UNCP prepares for the season-opener.

“We still have three weeks left in the semester so, Monday (April 7), we’re back in the weight room,” Shinnick said.

Last season, the spring game was held the last week in April, a few days before final exams.

“I feel very good with where we are right now – 13 weeks into the semester,” Shinnick said.

“I think we’ve worked harder, I think our offseason is better and I think our spring was more productive. We now have a pretty good feel going into fall practice of what we need to do to get to where we need to be.”

Scoring Summary

UNCP – Josh Humphries 26 pass from Cory Smith (Jared Leblanc kick)

UNCP – Safety (L.J. Johnson blocked punt out of end zone)

UNCP – Justin Funderburk 15 pass from Smith (Leblanc kick)

UNCP – Darrin Watkins 4 pass from Ryan Horton (Leblanc kick)

UNCP – Humphries 10 pass from Horton (Leblanc kick)

Rushing: Rashon Kennedy 11-39, Reggie Scott 3-10, Donta Massey 3-2, Keith Farrington 1-2, Garrett Sutphen 3-minus 3, Daniel Williams 2-minus 5.

Passing: Smith 10-17-114-1, Horton 8-10-51-0, Garrett Sutphen 4-11-38-1.

Receiving: Humphries 5-64, Jamar Dials 2-36, Brandon Arrington 2-16, Daniel Williams 1-16, Watkins 2-15, Rangel Moore 2-15, Justin Funderburk 1-15, Keith Farrington 2-12, Josh Throckmorton 4-11, Saint Anthony Lloyd 1-5.