Playing for the 'real thing': Spring game allows Northern Michigan University football team to simulate game conditions instead of practice | News, Sports, Jobs

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MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University football team hosted its annual spring game Saturday afternoon, and the white team defeated the gold team 10-0 in the scrimmage.

After starting the game with a three-and-out by the Gold, Team White was able to take advantage of the opportunity and take home the prize with the only touchdown of the game.

It was set up when Aidan Hoard connected with Sam Pifer on a deep ball along the sideline and caught it inside the 10-yard line. A few plays later, the same two players slanted into the end zone again, making it 7-0 still in the first quarter.

Northern Michigan University head football coach Shane Richardson speaks to his players on the field after the Wildcats' spring football game Saturday at the Superior Dome in Marquette. (Journal photo courtesy of Caden Sierra)

“(Hoard) captured things really well.” After the game, Pifer said: “I think there’s definitely a connection there.

“We have been able to work well together in practice and it clearly showed today.”

Team White looked dominant early in the second quarter, but a 60-yard bomb shot to Vince Martin was called back due to a penalty and a 50-yard field goal attempt just before the halftime buzzer missed wide.

Taking advantage of a turnover created by the defense early in the third quarter, the Gold offense pushed into the red zone, but White defender Mitch Larkin scooped up a fumble to halt the momentum.

Adam Saleh also had a successful fumble recovery in the second half.

A young Wildcat fan celebrates in the end zone after scoring on a 60-yard run before the start of the fourth quarter during the Northern Michigan University football team's annual spring game Saturday at the Superior Dome in Marquette. Another young fan was able to accomplish the same feat between the first and second quarters. (Journal photo courtesy of Caden Sierra)

Larkin's recovery was the first of two significant late turnovers created by the White defense, the second being when Justin Sheets made an interception late in the game that essentially ended the game. was. Owen Halverson made a 44-yard field goal with minutes left to give White a 10-0 lead.

But the Gold didn't go down quietly, as QB Jake Bilitz threw a 65-yard dot that sent Michael Love over the middle on the longest play of the game. However, Team White's defense blocked Gold near the goal line, ensuring a shutout.

Also in the second half, punters Halverson and Mike Karlen each pinned opponents inside their 10-yard line, forcing them to take long marches if they wanted to score.

Wildcats head coach Shane Richardson was enthusiastic about the overall team energy between the two units.

“Yes, I really liked it.” said Richardson, a former NMU player who is ready for his second year at the helm of the Wildcats. “I think the players came into this game very competitively and had something on the line.

“We played in two actual teams, which I think was good for us. Sometimes you see the same players, offense versus defense, but it's just getting used to the flow of practice. It was good to be in a competitive situation.”

With two weeks left in spring practice, the Northern team's focus will shift to off-field activities such as film, movement drills and the weight room.

“We are also planning team activities that incorporate play.” Richardson said. “I think it's really important at this time of year when we're going through a big, tough, long spring…I think it's really important that our players feel inspired and enthusiastic about being together and being around each other. I want to confirm that, so I would like to end the spring that way.”

Caden Sierra can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 551. His email address is csierra@nmu.edu.