Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Freshmen impress in Football Spring Game
04/18/2009 | 12:00:00 | Football
April 18, 2009
By Tom Weber
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Saluki football team wrapped up its spring season with a crisp, inter-squad Spring Game on Saturday in front of several hundred fans at McAndrew Stadium.
The offense ran approximately 120 plays versus the defense, scoring a total of 33 points. The defense got on the scoreboard also when linebacker Kyle Walker returned an interception 66 yards for a touchdown late in the scrimmage.
Head coach Dale Lennon said the scrimmage was an opportunity for some of the younger, inexperienced players to make an impression.
"We had some very solid performances by some of our freshmen that we hoped would be able to play," Lennon said. "At each position this spring, there was one or two that stepped up and showed they would be able to contribute next fall."
Lennon singled out several freshmen for praise, including offensive tackle Richard Wilson, defensive tackle Kayon Swanson, linebacker Joe Okon, safety James McFadden, running back Anton Wilkins and quarterback Paul McIntosh.
McIntosh was one of the standouts in the scrimmage. He completed 9-of-10 passes for 101 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown strike to Marc Cheatham.
All four offensive touchdowns came via the pass. Taylor Beasley hooked up with fellow freshman Luke Standiford on a 35-yard touchdown, Chris Dieker hit Joe Allaria on a six-yard score, and Bobby Brenneisen connected on a 59-yard bomb to B.J. Thompson.
SIU's veteran defense -- which returns 10 starters from last year's playoff team -- was difficult to run against. The offense rushed 36 times for 85 yards. Richard White was the most productive of the quartet of backs, picking up 34 yards on six carries.
Defensively, Walker led the unit with five tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery and the interception return. Stephen Franklin and Josh Terry also picked up sacks, and Mike McElroy recorded an interception.
Lennon said the coaching staff would meet next week to finish evaluating the spring season and begin preparations for fall camp, which starts in early August.
