Team White edges Team Maroon in Saluki Football Spring Game
04/20/2024 | 3:05:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — On a beautiful day for football at Saluki Stadium on Saturday, Team White edged Team Maroon by a score of 10-9 in a crisp, 50-play scrimmage to wrap up the Spring Ball season for Southern Illinois.
Each team scored a touchdown, with quarterback DJ Williams hitting Nah'shawn Hezekiah for a 43-yard TD strike for Team White, and running back Lashaun Lester finding the end zone on a nine-yard TD run for Team Maroon. Special teams was the deciding factor in the game, as Team White specialist Chase Reeves picked up three points for his team in the punting contest.
Splitting into two squads and conducting a pregame draft added the element of a friendly rivalry, with team captains linebacker Dune Smith and center Chase Evans exchanging commentary throughout the game.
"We said we were going to get it done and we got it done," Smith joked afterward. "I liked the effort on both sides of the ball, guys just coming out here working hard, challenging each other and getting better every day. For the Maroon Team — better luck next time."
Smith, Evans and a handful of veterans sat out the game, allowing younger players to get valuable reps.
"I think the big thing is we're trying to build some chemistry on the O-line and get the running backs on the same page with us," said Evans, who is moving from guard to center this season for an offensive line that is expected to be a team strength. "We're trying to get back to running the football and we really focused on that this spring."
Head coach Nick Hill said the team accomplished its goals during the 15 practices it was permitted during Spring Ball.
"It's about making sure the foundation is laid right," said Hill, who has guided SIU to three playoff appearances and three playoff wins in the last four seasons. "It's teaching the fundamentals of the game, making sure that schematically, we identify the strengths of our team and make sure that we adapt to them."
Hill praised the work of the receiver group that features returnee Vinson Davis III and four, new transfers. Nine different receivers had catches in the game, led by Tennessee Tech transfer Bradley Clark with four.
"I feel good about the overall talent we have on the roster," Hill said. "We may add a piece or two during the summer where we may need to add some competition, but it's about making sure we stick to doing the little things right and keep growing as a team."
A three-way battle at quarterback will continue into the fall. Veteran Hunter Simmons missed most of Spring Ball with a hamstring injury. Michael Lindauer was 7-for-16 passing on the day for 174 yards. Williams, a Murray State transfer, completed his first five passes of the game and showed elusiveness in the pocket.
"It's been a great new experience coming in here and competing with the guys, getting to know my teammates," Williams said. "I've just been getting into the playbook more and more every day with Coach (Blake) Rolan and Coach Hill. We have some great weapons on offense, they make contested catches for you, and it's just great being on this type of team and in this type of environment."
It was a festive atmosphere at the stadium with more than 100 fans taking advantage of a season-ticket special.
"You go so long without that Saturday feeling, and it was great to have a draft and let them have some fun and play in front of the fans," Hill said. "You'd love to sit out here and go a hundred plays if you could, but ultimately, you want to step off the field healthy going into the off-season."
The Salukis will resume their off-season program next week, and training camp starts in early August.
Each team scored a touchdown, with quarterback DJ Williams hitting Nah'shawn Hezekiah for a 43-yard TD strike for Team White, and running back Lashaun Lester finding the end zone on a nine-yard TD run for Team Maroon. Special teams was the deciding factor in the game, as Team White specialist Chase Reeves picked up three points for his team in the punting contest.
Splitting into two squads and conducting a pregame draft added the element of a friendly rivalry, with team captains linebacker Dune Smith and center Chase Evans exchanging commentary throughout the game.
"We said we were going to get it done and we got it done," Smith joked afterward. "I liked the effort on both sides of the ball, guys just coming out here working hard, challenging each other and getting better every day. For the Maroon Team — better luck next time."
Smith, Evans and a handful of veterans sat out the game, allowing younger players to get valuable reps.
"I think the big thing is we're trying to build some chemistry on the O-line and get the running backs on the same page with us," said Evans, who is moving from guard to center this season for an offensive line that is expected to be a team strength. "We're trying to get back to running the football and we really focused on that this spring."
Head coach Nick Hill said the team accomplished its goals during the 15 practices it was permitted during Spring Ball.
"It's about making sure the foundation is laid right," said Hill, who has guided SIU to three playoff appearances and three playoff wins in the last four seasons. "It's teaching the fundamentals of the game, making sure that schematically, we identify the strengths of our team and make sure that we adapt to them."
Hill praised the work of the receiver group that features returnee Vinson Davis III and four, new transfers. Nine different receivers had catches in the game, led by Tennessee Tech transfer Bradley Clark with four.
"I feel good about the overall talent we have on the roster," Hill said. "We may add a piece or two during the summer where we may need to add some competition, but it's about making sure we stick to doing the little things right and keep growing as a team."
A three-way battle at quarterback will continue into the fall. Veteran Hunter Simmons missed most of Spring Ball with a hamstring injury. Michael Lindauer was 7-for-16 passing on the day for 174 yards. Williams, a Murray State transfer, completed his first five passes of the game and showed elusiveness in the pocket.
"It's been a great new experience coming in here and competing with the guys, getting to know my teammates," Williams said. "I've just been getting into the playbook more and more every day with Coach (Blake) Rolan and Coach Hill. We have some great weapons on offense, they make contested catches for you, and it's just great being on this type of team and in this type of environment."
It was a festive atmosphere at the stadium with more than 100 fans taking advantage of a season-ticket special.
"You go so long without that Saturday feeling, and it was great to have a draft and let them have some fun and play in front of the fans," Hill said. "You'd love to sit out here and go a hundred plays if you could, but ultimately, you want to step off the field healthy going into the off-season."
The Salukis will resume their off-season program next week, and training camp starts in early August.
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