Spring football game brings glimpse of bright future
Posted by The Skyliner on April 29th, 2009Paul Conner
Staff Writer
Chris Timmons/The Skyliner Richard Harb drops back for a pass in the Red and Black game.
Armchair quarterbacks, rejoice. Crusader fans got a taste of interactive football at the Red and Black spring game Saturday morning at Younts Stadium as the offense topped the defense 71-60.
First-year head coach Jamey Chadwell, decked in a suit, tie and fedora reminiscent of famed Alabama coach Bear Bryant, spent three quarters of the game in the stands allowing fans to call plays and change personnel on the field for a small donation that benefited a local needy family.
“We wanted to play the first quarter like a real game, but I also wanted the fans to be able to associate with me and let them put a face to a name,” Chadwell said. “I wanted to get them involved and let them know that I’m gonna try to do things in a different way. We’re gonna try to have a team that they can be proud of.”
Mission accomplished, said assistant sports information director Dr. Fred Battenfield.
“I think it was a great idea to get the public involved, and I think it will pay off for him,” Battenfield said. “He’s trying to build his image and reputation, and it was a great way to start.”
Lest Crusader fans think that North Greenville has turned into the Indianapolis Colts over the offseason, the scoring system gave points to the offense for touchdowns, plays that gained over 12 yards and first downs. The defense gained points for turnovers, sacks, tackles for loss and fourth down stands. Quarterbacks Richard Harb, junior business management, and C.T. Morton alternated on offense for the black team.
Harb started the game with a bang, finding a wide-open Sean Wright streaking down the home sideline for a 75-yard touchdown pass play. Harb and Wright hooked up for five completions for 156 yards in the first quarter.
“We’ve been working together a lot in the offseason, and the defense was giving us that option today,” Harb said. “I don’t know if it will always be like that, but he’s a great player who works really hard.”
Harb also scrambled 29 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and finished with no interceptions. Morton struggled to find a rhythm and was picked off twice by Jamarius Robinson and Darius Horlback.
Chris Timmons/The Skyliner
Chadwell has introduced a mild version of the spread offense, often using three wide receivers and one running back with Harb in the backfield. The goal is to create space between defenders and allow offensive players to use their speed to make plays.
“It’s definitely more spread out and more fast-paced,” Harb said. “It gives us a chance to change things up.”
The defense stuck to its typical 4-3 lineup, and lineman Joe Novotasky and linebacker Doug Wilson impressed, coming up with several tackles. Chadwell had talked about switching to a 3-4 but has decided to stick with last year’s formation.
Michael Sears handled the kicking duties, converting all extra points but missing a 37-yard field goal. Fred McMoore turned in a solid performance at running back.
“There were some positives,” Chadwell said. “Too many penalties and turnovers, but we tried to make it fun, and I think they guys came out and had a good time. No one got injured–that was the number one goal.”
Since stepping in as head coach, Chadwell has earned the respect of his players.
“He’s a very good coach,” said defensive back Chandler Bailey. “He’s been working us really hard and disciplining us. He’s a very fundamental-based coach, and we can definitely look to the future for success.”
The game was not all about football. The estimated 400 fans who gathered at Younts Stadium brought dozens of canned goods to the stadium to benefit a local food bank. Aramark provided a barbecue lunch afterwards as fans soaked up the sun.