Sunday, April 10, 2011

Defense Dominates N.C. A&T Spring Game

GREENSBORO, N.C. - When a coach of Rod Broadway's considerable reputation steps on the field, expectations soar without hesitation. But following North Carolina A&T's annual Spring Football Game on Saturday, the first-year Aggies head coach had one reminder: "It's only been 15 days."

Broadway was cautious about being too critical of his team. He understands many of his players are learning a new system and a new coaching staff for the third time in four years.

"Our goal is simple," said Broadway. "We're just going to get better. We're going to get it turned around. I don't know how much time that will take us because we're down so far when you talk about scholarships and (Academic Progress Rate). But once we get our scholarships back, we'll be okay."



The Aggies concluded their spring session at Aggie Stadium with Saturday's scrimmage clearing showing the defense is ahead of the offense. After the Aggies ran 100 plays, the gold-jerseyed Aggies defense recorded four turnovers and four three and outs to come away with a 26-10 win over the offense in blue.

Defensive back Travis Crosby and linebacker Ben Binder led the Aggies defense with eight tackles apiece. Crosby also forced and recovered a fumble. D'Vonte Graham, who led the MEAC interceptions last season, had one on Saturday.

"I thought our defense played fairly well," said Broadway. "We're a little bit undersized on defense so we have to move around quite a bit."

Who wasn't playing on offense was as notable as who was. First-team All-MEAC running back Mike Mayhew did not play. Also on the sideline was quarterback Lewis Kindle. Kindle missed all of last season with an ACL injury. He is still recovering from last October's knee surgery, and has not been cleared to play at full speed.

His absence left the quarterbacking duties in the hands of Terrence Webb and Ricky Lewis. The two alternated possessions, and both saw their passing numbers hurt by dropped passes. Lewis threw for 80 yards on 8-for-19 passing with a touchdown and an interception. The Aggies offense put its first points on the board during the sixth possession of the afternoon.



It was a 12-play, 53-yard drive that ended with a 34-yard field goal from Sullivan Shidler. The key play was a 22-yard run through the middle by Chauncey Burgess. Burgess finished the day with 118 yards on 20 carries. Larry Raper chipped in with 71 yards on 17 carries. Raper also had the other score of the day when he caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Lewis. Wallace Miles, who has led the Aggies in receiving the last three seasons, had five receptions.

"We had some dropped balls, some bad throws and some penalties," said Broadway. "Those are things we have to get cleaned up, but that is to be expected this time of year. We have a new staff and they're learning a new system. We have a good group of kids, and a good foundation to build from. We have to continue to coach them and coach them well."

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