Pirate Nation saw a glimpse of what to expect this fall at Saturday's 2018 Purple/Gold Spring Game
Evenly matched Purple and Gold teams competed on Saturday in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. A draft was held prior to the spring game, where Purple Team captains, Garrett McGhin and Bruce Bivens, and Gold Team captains, Reid Herring and Alex Turner, selected their squads.
"This game was evenly matched because we were able to have a draft and it seemed like both teams got the best at different positions, making the competition sky rocket," said veteran player McGhin.
"I expected us to come out with a lot of energy and have a lot of fun competing against one another and play good, clean football as a team and I think we certainly did that. It felt good to be back in the stadium with the team," said Herring, who led the Gold Team to a 21-14 victory over Purple with a 12-for-20, 191-yard showing.
The Gold Team relied on redshirt-freshman running back Trace Christian's three-touchdown performance. Christian put on a show, finishing the game with 97 yards on 15 carries. The Gold Team out-rushed Purple, 156 yards to Purple's 19, primarily thanks to Christian's contributions.
"Christian's ability to run the ball really stood out to me, along with his offensive line on the Gold squad," said Herring.
Senior wide receiver Trevon Brown was a huge presence on the field Saturday. Despite being on the losing side of the spring game, Brown caught nine passes, totaling 169 yards. Brown will be a valuable target for whichever athlete fills the QB position come fall.
Showing off his skill set in the pocket was Greenville native Holton Ahlers, a January enrollee, who went 12 of 18 for 205 yards on the day. Ahlers found Duce Fuller, his former Conley High School teammate, for five catches totaling 114 yards: a strong start for the young duo's collegiate debut.
"All of the QBs performed well, and seeing them able to throw the ball downfield with accuracy really gets you excited as an offensive lineman because it really makes our offense more dynamic," said McGhin.
On defense, Raequan Purvis led the Purple Team while Colby Gore guided Gold; both players finished with six tackles. Gore was named Most Valuable Player in spring practice both on defense and special teams.
"Expectations for this year are very high. We have talent all across the board and have more depth than ever before," said McGhin. "So we're expecting to go bowling this year and see an increase in wins, as opposed to years past."
Looking ahead, the Pirates are building off of Saturday's scrimmage while continuing to bring energy and focus into the upcoming season.
"I think one of the biggest keys for success for our team will be our energy level as a team. We need to focus on the little things every play and play for one another," said Herring.
In regards to the team chemistry and dynamics, McGhin believes this roster has what it takes as a unit.
"Guys are working well with each other and different position groups are getting involved with other groups," said McGhin.
The football team is now undergoing a few weeks of spring workouts prior to player-led practices in summer leading up to camp. According to McGhin, these next weeks of training are devoted to getting stronger, bigger and faster in the weight room with head strength coach, Jeff Connors, while focusing on technique and fundamentals.
"Both offensively and defensively none of us are satisfied. Every group is working to get better every single day. Nobody wants to go 3-9 again," said McGhin. "We know what's at stake and we're determined."
