Aztec football returned to Montezuma Mesa on Saturday afternoon, in the annual Red & Black spring game. The Aztec squad was divided in half and faced off in front of a crowd of 2,220 as the Black squad defeated the Red unit 10-7. Aztecs Head Football Coach Brady Hoke expressed how pleased he was with the competitiveness of his players.
Big plays dominated the beginning of the game with redshirt freshman Jake Bernards connecting with Vincent Brown on a 74-yard touchdown pass to give the Black squad an early lead. Regular season starter Ryan Lindley then led the Red team down the field on a drive capped of by a Ronnie Hillman touchdown run to even the game.
Bernards led all offensive players throwing 7/10 for 120 yards and a touchdown while only seeing limited action in the first and fourth quarters. Although Ryan Lindley did not have the most efficient afternoon – 9/25 for 128 yards, one touchdown and an interception – the Red squad’s offense seemed much more capable when he was under center. While wishing he would have played better, Lindley talked about how it was great to see everyone on the team competing.
More audio from spring practice after the jump:
After the opening fireworks, the game became a tough defensive struggle that saw 13 punts, two turnovers, eight sacks and only three more points. The field goal, a huge 49-yard kick, came with 6:33 left in the first half. After the opening drives, each team only managed to get in the red zone once the rest of the game.
The defensive standouts for the game were Brandon Davis and Andrew Preston. Davis led the effort for the Black team, totaling a game high seven sacks, while Preston had an impressive showing of his own for the Red team with five tackles, an interception, and a sack. Coach Hoke talked about how he was impressed with the improvement of the defense.
On a team that has a combined 13 wins in the last four seasons, upperclassman leadership will be key. It was a topic that Hoke had stressed at the beginning of Spring Practice and was happy to see the development that had occurred, especially from his Quarterback.
Although the game was played between the same team, there was still plenty on the line. Besides bragging rights until Fall Practice begins, the Red and Black teams were playing for a great meal. Tonight the Black team will enjoy a nice steak dinner while the Red team will get hotdogs and baked beans.
Hoke’s highly touted incoming class will have to wait a little longer to make their debuts. Local products JJ Whitaker, King Holder, and Jake Fely headline a class that will be set to join the Aztec squad after their May graduations.
Jeff Creps is a contributor to 619 Sports.
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