ATHENS, W.Va. – Led by sophomore quarterback
Brian Novak and stingy defensive play, the Maroon squad defeated the Gray squad 14-6 in Concord University football's annual spring game Saturday afternoon at Callaghan Field.
Novak and the Maroon squad drove the length of the field twice in the first half, but could not get the ball across the goal line in either instance, settling for two field goals from freshman kicker Zach Keaton as he converted form 36 and 24 yards away.
Trailing 6-0 at halftime, the gray team opened up the second half with a jolt of energy as redshirt freshman running back
Ethan Richardson swung around the right side of the line, found an opening and scampered 70 yards for a touchdown on the opening play of the second half to knot the score at 6-6.
After Novak and junior wide receiver
Ryan Stewart hooked up for a 30-yard score in the fourth quarter to give Maroon a 14-6 advantage, it appeared the Gray squad would answer with a score of its own late in the game.
Driving inside of the Maroon 30-yard line, junior quarterback
Albert Rose of the Gray team was sacked by junior linebacker
Cade Rogers. Rogers' hit also jarred the ball loose from Rose, and Maroon took over with less than three minutes left as it hung on for the 14-6 win.
Despite losing, Richardson had a game-high 127 yards rushing and a touchdown for Gray while sophomore defensive lineman
Darryl Johnson and sophomore linebacker
Brandon Martinez each had eight tackles with Johnson racking up two sacks.
Novak finished with 119 yards and a passing touchdown.
Defensively for Maroon, junior linebacker
Austin Dotson and Rogers each had five tackles and a forced fumble.
Saturday concluded spring practice for Concord.
Once commencing fall practice in August, the Mountain Lions will shift its focus towards the opening game at West Liberty Sept. 5.
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