2017 Maroon and Gold Spring Game

By Chandler Watson
Sports Reporter

The Bobcats held their annual Maroon and Gold Spring game on Saturday and head coach Everett Withers already feels more optimistic about the upcoming season. “We played good today,” Withers said. “We had some turnovers, but we stayed healthy.”

The game consisted of six different sessions with the first starting on the 25-yard line coming out. The first two sessions were two series meaning the specialty team and scout looks got some playing time. The last four sessions were all out battles between the offense and defense.

Starting QB, Damian Williams played a heck of a game in the time he played, he finished with 172 yards, and 4 touchdowns while going 14-22 with no interceptions. Coach Withers says that Williams is progressing through the offense well. “It’s going to take this summer for his (Williams) to really know the nuances of what we want to do and get it done,” Withers said. Freshman Joseph Gonzales, and senior Janson Moore also got reps in at QB. Each of them had a solid game, despite the only pick being thrown by Joseph Gonzales, according to Texas State correspondent Keff Ciardello.

The receiving core and running backs for the Bobcats also shined on Saturday. Running back, Anthony Taylor scored two touchdowns with 72 yards on 20 carries. Receiver Mason Hays had four catches with 82 yards and two touchdowns. Thurman Morbley led Texas State in receptions with 5, along with 45 yards.

Defense was a struggle last year for the Bobcats, but they held their ground on Saturday. Starting middle linebackers, Bryan London and Gabe Loyd didn’t get any reps, but Withers still feels like they have a strong core. “I like our four linebackers,” Withers said. “We’ve got some guys on that side of the ball that are playing better.”

Coach Withers was asked to compare this year’s team to last year and he has this to say. “Are we more talented? No, we’re not,” Withers said. “But I like being around our guys, they are good people. Generally, I feel they have a better care for each other than a year ago.”

Offense ended up winning the game 104-102. Withers proposed “winner, loser” days for the team which set some consequences for the losing side, “Defense gets to clean up the baseball stands after each game, while offense gets a dinner at my house with me as the DJ. It pays to win!” Football season is coming fast, and although there’s still a lot of work to do, Withers summed up the day the best he could, “We did good.”

Featured image by Chandler Watson