NMU Football Spring Game: Offense defeats Defense 42-38

Courtesy of NMU Athletics

MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan University football team wrapped up the spring season with the annual Spring Game from the Superior Dome on Saturday (April 21) afternoon. Green defeated White 42-38. A dropped interception would’ve won White the game on the second to last play of the afternoon.

Green was the offense and white was defense. Green could earn points on first downs (1), plays over 20 yards (2), field goals (3), touchdowns (6), 2-point conversions (2) and point after touchdowns (1). White could earn points on tackles for loss (1), turnover on downs (1), sacks (2), safety (2), defensive stop (2), interceptions (5), fumble recoveries (5) and touchdowns (10).

“It was a great crowd and I would like to thank everyone for coming out,” NMU football coach Chris Ostrowsky said. “The Warm-up with the Wildcats was great. The kids had a lot of fun and our players really played hard in the game.”

Quarterbacks, Ryan Morley and Cody Scepaniak, played equal time leading the offense. Both players threw for big plays. Scepaniak had a 51-yard throw to Josh McNeil to set up the first of three touchdowns on the afternoon. Joe Neeb took a hand off and went five yards into the endzone after the catch.

Morley had a 28-yard touchdown pass to Trey Hipke in the second quarter and a 35-yard touchdown toss to McNeil in the second half.

“Our quarterbacks executed the best they have all spring long today,” Ostrowsky said. “They both had reps with the ones and the twos and I’m proud of both guys.”

The defense picked up points by forcing Green to punt and on numerous tackles for loss. White also forced two turnovers. Matt Smith picked up a fumble and Brady Grayvold had an interception.

“I think our defense is going to be great,” added Ostrowksy. “They forced some turnovers today and I’m really pleased with the way they’re progressing. The kids are really playing together and inspired in a sound defensive scheme. I’m excited about it.”

Neeb also had a 41-yard run before the end of the third quarter, setting up a field goal attempt by a fan from the bleachers that didn’t make it through the uprights.

“The guys are going to get at their academics in the next couple weeks and finish the semester strong,” said Ostrowsky. “They’ll get some time off before the summer workouts start.”

Northern’s first game in the fall is at the University of Findlay on Aug. 30. The first home game is against the University of Wisconsin La Crosse on Sept. 6.

Posted by Jerry Taylor