First string offense, defense dominates spring game
Posted 10:13 PM, April 09, 2006

Photos

by Kai Caddy

UCA football coach Clint Conque's office redecoration is now complete, just like his team's first spring as a Division I-AA squad.

The Bears wrapped up spring practice last Friday night before an estimated 500 fans at Estes Stadium in the annual spring game, in which the projected first string showed why they're in that position as the first offense and first defense dominated their counterparts on the second string.

The first-string offense put on a show for the fans early and often. After the first defense held the second offense to a three and out, the first offense didn't waste much time before getting in the end zone.

The offense's first drive was highlighted by a throw and catch from quarterback Nathan Brown to receiver Che Jones, then running back Ross Brown took off on a 16-yard jaunt for another first down. Later Nathan Brown hit Ross Brown for a 14-yard completion, and finally Nathan Brown hooked up with one of his favorite targets, Aaron Fairooz, for a 25-yard touchdown.

After another three-and-out from the second offense, the first team only needed one play to score. Ross Brown took the handoff and broke a couple tackles and wound up in the end zone 65 yards later.

On the third drive it was more Ross Brown and Fairooz. Brown had an 11-yard run and Fairooz had a catch for 13 yards and one for 15. Transfer tight end Charles Twilley was on the receiving end of an 11-yard pass, while a couple poor defenders were on the receiving end of Twilley not wanting to go down. The drive sputtered out, though, and James Paul was called in to attempt a 46-yard field goal. Paul nailed it.

The second offense finally saw a little success on the next series. But not before transfer cornerback Tristan Jackson nearly made an acrobatic interception. On the next play, though, Marcus Smith, a transfer running back from Arkansas-Pine Bluff took off on a tough 15-yard run before being stopped. That gave the second offense its first first down of the day. But, freshman Zach Hyatt ended all that, picking off a Robby Park pass to end the half.

Just after the half, the first offense found itself in some trouble after a sack and a penalty. But on third-and-long, Nathan Brown hit Ross Brown on a screen. Ross Brown was close to the first down, but a scuffle broke out behind the play when offensive lineman Lane Freiwald threw down defensive lineman Josh Fay, hovered over him and commenced punching.

After order was restored, the first offense started its next series deep in its own territory. But Ross Brown quickly got the offense out of the shadow of its own end zone, running 35 yards for the first down. Ross Brown carried for another first down before the passing game took over. Nathan Brown hit Jones for a 12-yard pickup, then on fourth-and-eight hit Brandon Payne for a gain of 13. Nathan Brown hit Fairooz for another first down, then Ross Brown capped off the long drive with a 13-yard run.

The 13-yard run would be the last touchdown until late in the scrimmage when linebacker Quentin Maxfield scooped up a fumble and scored from 12 yards out.

Linebacker Ryan Taylor, cornerback Dathan Johnson, receiver Cameron Kinard and offensive lineman Ronnie Lee all sat out the scrimmage because of injury, but all are expected to be back for the fall.

Also returning in the fall will be linebacker Calvin Dumas, who has missed the last two seasons with injuries.

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