The Morehead State football program concluded a month of workouts with its annual Spring Game on Saturday at Jayne Stadium.
The game format featured offense versus defense with the offense winning 24-16. The defense earned points via turnovers, three-and-outs and safeties. The squad played three 15-minute quarters.
"It was a long but productive spring, and tonight I think we showed how much we have improved as a program," third-year Head Coach Rob Tenyer said. "We got out of the game without any injuries, and I think we put a great product on the field. We had a nice crowd, and I want to thank everyone who came out to support us. We have had tremendous support from the community since I took over as head coach."
The offense scored a trio of touchdowns. Junior quarterback Austin Gahafer connected with sophomore tight end Jake Sutherland on a 20-yard play in the first quarter and found senior slot receiver Harrison Bond on a 13-yard strike in the second frame. Sophomore QB Jack Sherry hit freshman slot receiver Nathan Sames for a five-yard TD on the last play of the second quarter.
The defense earned nine points on a trio of three-and-outs and also got seven points when sophomore linebacker Jacob Biller scooped up a fumble and raced 50 yards to the end zone midway through the first quarter.
Gahafer, who has recorded 5,270 passing yards in his first two seasons, led the offense by going 15-for-21 for 169 yards. Sherry completed 11-of-18 for 75 yards, and freshman Lawson Page was 7-of-12 for 65 yards.
Freshman running back Ryan Watkins totaled a team-best 54 yards on nine carries, while fellow freshman tailback Quintin Bailey racked up 34 yards on seven carries. Sophomore Rob Harden and junior Adarius Barnett combined for 58 yards via 15 totes.
Sames paced the wideouts as he collected five catches for 47 yards. Senior Kitaro Lewis, who missed the 2014 campaign with an injury, notched 37 yards on three catches.
The defense, under the direction of newly-promoted coordinator Dontae Wright, was led by junior safety Brandon Louder. He made nine stops, and was followed closely by senior lineman Timothy Dysart with eight total tackles. Senior cornerback Erick Pugh notched seven, while junior linebacker Ryan Bennett and Biller were in on six tackles.
"I saw exceptional improvement in our defense this spring. I thought the tackling was much sharper today, and we were much more physical on defense in general," Tenyer said.
Morehead State will open fall camp in early August in preparation for the 2015 season opener on Sept. 5 at James Madison.
The Eagles host five home games this coming season, beginning with a Family Weekend contest versus Kentucky Christian on Sept. 19. Season tickets and tailgating packages are now on sale.
