Bobcats Show Potential in Spring Game

By DeShaun Hartley, Jude McClaren and Connor MacKinnon
Sports Reporters

With all the hype surrounding Texas State Football, the student athletes finally were able to put their talents into fruition. A new head coach, a new system and a new atmosphere. The maroon and gold marched onto the field with a confidence that this team has not seen in seasons’ past. This game was opened to the public, which allowed fans and alumni to come in and witness the spectacle that is… the Spavital-era.

Some familiar leaders for this team got to see how the collection of talent surrounding them would finally all come together. Leaders such as Sun-Belt leading tackler Bryan London II, and 2018 preseason All-Sun Belt Conference second team offensive lineman Aaron Brewer. On the offensive side of things the Bobcats were able to display some new schemes put in by offensive coordinator Bob Stitt. Quarterbacks Gresch Jensen and Jaylen Gipson received most of the snaps during the spring game, showing everyone the potential that this offense can bring in preview to next season.

The preview of the Spavital- era was started off by Jensen throwing a dime over to senior wide receiver Mason Hays for a 30-yard bomb, and on the next play Jensen threw a dart from the red-zone to Hays for the touchdown. However, Jensen was not the only one who played well under center as Gipson found a connection with tight end Seth Caillouet to set up the second touchdown drive for the Bobcats. Sophomore Tyler Vitt could not find a rhythm all game because of the pressure created by the front seven of the defense. Vitt threw for 32 yards and only completed six of his 18 passes for the game.

In addition, to the success from the quarterback position, the running back committee had a day from the ground. Senior Anthony D. Taylor had nine carries for 72 yards and it seemed every person he came into contact with felt the bruising style he ran with. Junior Jaylin Nelson also had nine carries with a total of 39 yards, and freshman Alec Harris had 42 yards on eleven carries.

With the spring game being the last time the Bobcats will officially be together as a team until next fall, Head Coach Jake Spavital kept things in perspective in the postgame press conference.

“It’s all about continuity,” Spavital said, and elaborated that his players need to be focused and keep working in the summer because they are still relatively new to entire offensive and defensive schemes.

The ‘Cats have a lot to prove in the 2019-2020 season, and unfortunately until next fall, Bobcat fans will have to wait and see if Texas State football can pull it off.

Featured image by Jude McClaren.