MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois wrapped up the 2011 spring season with the annual Bruce Craddock Memorial Spring Game on Saturday afternoon (April 23) at Hanson Field. The Leathernecks ran it similar to the two prior scrimmages, working on all facets while running more than 50 plays of 11-on-11 on the day.
The offense scored two touchdowns on the day, but committed two turnovers both on fumbles. Western's defense recorded eight sacks. The scrimmage consisted of drives starting at various yard lines.
Junior Wil Lunt opened the 11-on-11 drills with the number one offense at their own 10-yard line. He found Larry Patterson on a 36-yard completion, followed by a 40-yard strike to Andre Boney. The defense held the offense out of the endzone on the first two plays from 1st-and-goal, but it was Lunt hitting Alie Walker for a 2-yard scoring strike that capped the 90-yard scoring drive.
The defense came up big throughout the final practice getting sacks at key downs. Ryan Demming had three sacks during one set of plays. Darryl Hughes broke up what would have been a 40-plus yard reception by Kyle Robiskie down field.
Head coach Mark Hendrickson came away encouraged by his team's performance through the three scrimmages and all 15 practices this spring.
"We felt good about each and every practice, we felt good about all three scrimmages. During all three (scrimmages) our guys played physical and there is going to be a lot that we will learn from. There are great teaching moments from today. I am proud of the guys for practicing hard every time out and making it productive," said the second year head coach. "They worked with each other very well. We had a few heated moments today and that is to be expected, but overall it was a great spring considering you are hitting the same person over and over again."
One question mark Western had all spring was who would replace departed senior quarterback Matt Barr. Hendrickson noted the play of both upperclassmen quarterbacks.
"There is no doubt we are pleased with where Wil Lunt and Josh Hudson are at, but we did not settle anything this fall. We did discover that we have two good quarterbacks and we'll be satisfied with either one to lead the team. The good news is when we start it up in the fall we know we will have a strong back-up as well."
Hendrickson, the 2010 Eddie Robinson 'Coach of the Year' runner-up, noted the play of several other returning Leathernecks this spring but knows that this summer will be key for Western.
"One thing is that you are always looking for consistency. Defensively, Kevin Palermo, Tim Franken and Dwight Harris were all strong this spring but a lot of guys improved over the course of the 15 practices. It is great to have Jordan Valle back and he is always going to solid day-in and day-out. Josh Gablemann did not go today but has been strong all spring in the reps we gave him," said Hendrickson. "There is no question that summer is important. After we get through exam week, it is critical for us to prepare very well. When we report in August, you have to be ready to go 100 mph that first day."
The Leathernecks open the 2011 campaign September 1st at Sam Houston State.
SCORING:
Lunt 2 pass to Walker
Hudson 25 pass to Morgan
PASSING: Lunt 4-3-0, 78 yards, TD; Hudson 4-3-0, 38 yards, TD; Reardon 2-0-0; Ridenour 2-2-0, 9 yards.
RUSHING: Heard 9-34; Patterson 5-18; Boney 1-10.
RECEIVING: Patterson 3-49; Morgan 2-28, TD; Boney 1-40; Walker 1-2, TD; Callahan 1-6.
DEFENSE: Demming 4 tackles (4 sacks); Waldron 3 tackles (1 TFL); Hughes 2 tackles, 2 PBU; Dixon 3 tackles; Enderlein 3 tackles; Palermo 3 tackles; Bachinski fumble recovery; Durley fumble recovery; Wilmore 2 tackles (1 sack); Simpson 2 tackles (1 sack); Riley 1 tackle (1 sack); Turner 1 tackle (1 sack).
