Defense Edges Offense 29-23 in 2011 Memorial Spring Football Game

Zac Johnston is the 2011 Edward A. Gadson Memorial Scholarship Recipient

CHARLESTON, S.C. – After a two-year hiatus, the defense got back on top during the 2011 Memorial Spring Football Game, holding off a late charge by the offense to win 29-23 Saturday, at Buccaneer Field.

“Well first and foremost we were blessed today because the weather forecast all week called for anything from hail to thunderstorm, pouring rain and even tornadoes, so God blessed us and we were able to get the game in,” said Coach Jay Mills. “The second thing was that our attendance was tremendous today, despite the wind. We had a junior prospect day, today, and when we started doing that two years ago we had 12 young men show up, today we had 215 show up, and that is a reflection of their feelings about Charleston Southern University and Buccaneer football.”

Trailing by six with a running clock in the fourth quarter, the offense drove down to the 16 yardline, but ran out of time, giving the victory to the defensive squad, who earned points for tackles-for-loss, sacks, forced punts, and turnovers, using a predetermined system.

With sustained winds of 25 miles-per-hour and up, the passing attack struggled, completing just 16 of 47 pass attempts, gaining a total of 231 yards on those 16 completions. Malcolm Dixon completed 10 of his 29 pass attempts for 108 yards, while Richard Mounce completed 4-of-9 for 101 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown to Chris Theodore in the first quarter. Mounce also accounted for the only rushing touchdown of the day, doing so late in the third quarter to bring the offense back and give them a chance for a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.

The bulk of the defense’s points came on an Austin Wald interception return for a touchdown as he brought the ball back 37 yards in the second quarter to give the defense a total of 11 points (4-interception, 7-touchdown). James Smith had 11 tackles on the line, and was responsible for three of the team’s 11 tackles for loss that accounted for 11 more points.

Andy Brown made his only field goal attempt of the day, ending the first half with a 47-yarder.

Kirby Broome was the main target of the CSU quarterbacks, hauling in four catches for 36 yard, while Theodore had 69 yards on three receptions.

“For the guys who are in this program this spring, I couldn’t be more pleased,” said Mills. “Tangibly, we have good talent, we have young talent. Intangibly, we have a great group, a mature group, and a group that everyone associated with CSU can be proud of off the field as well as on the field.”

Full stats can be found below.

At halftime of the game, the team used the break to give out the most improved position awards from spring drills. The team also gave out a distinguished service award and named the recipient of the 2011 Edward A. Gadson Memorial Scholarship, given this year to Zac Johnston. The scholarship is given each year to a deserving walk-on who shows the same heart and work ethic that Gadson was known for during his time in the blue and gold. Offensive line coach Chuck Kelly earned the servant leadership award. The full list of awards can also be found below.

CSU will begin the 2011 season at Central Florida on September 3, in Orlando, Fla.

Most Improved:
DL – Coril Joseph
LB – Michael Chocholousek
DB – Jordan Fulford

OL – Jeff Hartung
TE – Nathan Prater
QB – Richard Mounce
WR – Wes Murray
RB – Teddy Allen

Servant Leadership Award
Chuck Kelly

2011 Edward A. Gadson Memorial Scholarship
Zac Johnston

Postgame Interview - Coach Mills (Video)
Game Highlights (Video)
Photo Gallery
Box Score