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April 12, 2003 Michael, Running Game Excel in Annual Spring Game NEWARK, DE -- Redshirt freshman Brad Michael completed 7 of 11 passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Blue team (offense) over the White (defense) in the annual University of Delaware Spring Football Game Saturday afternoon at Tubby Raymond Field at Delaware Stadium. The Blue Hens scrimmaged for 90 minutes with Michael starring for the offense, which piled up 315 total yards. The Blue posted a 22-12 victory thanks to three touchdowns. The game format featured the Blue Hen offense vs. the defense and included six sets of drives from the 35 and 50 yard lines. Various point amounts were earned for touchdowns, field goals, first downs, defensive stops, and turnovers."You really have to take a step back to honestly evaluate today's game," said Delaware head coach K.C. Keeler, whose squad will continue spring drills with two more practice days this week. "We have only practiced in pads twice in the last 16 or 17 days so we were a little inconsistent and rough. But I like the demeanor of this team and the intensity and character that they show. This team is a close one and we have strong leadership. We kept a lot of kids out today and that gave some good opportunities to some younger players. I think we showed that our running game will be a real strong suit and I was pleased with Brad Michael's performance. Defensively, (redshirt freshmen defensive backs) John Russ and Kyle Campbell showed us a lot." Michael, a native of Apex, NC who sat out as a redshirt last season, will battle fellow redshirt freshman Ryan Carty for the team's No. 2 quarterback spot behind senior Andy Hall, who sat out spring drills due to off-season shoulder surgery. Michael hit on 7 of 11 passes for 125 yards and connected on touchdowns of 58 yards to sophomore Joe Bleymaier and 16 yards to redshirt freshman Zach Thomas. Carty hit on three of six passes for 17 yards. Delaware's running game picked up 162 yards on 36 attempts led by senior Germaine Bennett, who carried five times for a team-high 76 yards, including a 53-yard scamper. Redshirt freshman Niquan Lee picked up 47 yards on seven carries and senior Antawn Jenkins rushed four times for 40 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown run that opened the scoring. Jenkins, a career 1,000-yard rusher, and Bennett are expected to battle for the starting running back spot this coming season. Defensively, sophomore linebacker John Mulhern led the White with 10 tackles, including nine solo stops, and also broke up a pass. Senior Nick Iarrobino posted two sacks, Roger Brown and Campbell both posted four tackles, and Russ had three tackles and blocked a field goal attempt. The Blue Hens, who welcome back 16 starters, including 10 on offense, from last year's squad that went 6-6, will open the 2003 season Sept. 6 at home vs. The Citadel. AGATE: Blue 22, White 12 Team Statistics: First Downs: 12; Rushes-Yards: 36-162; Passing: 12 of 21 for 153 yards, 0 Interceptions; Total Offense: 315; Fumbles-Lost: 5-0; Penalties-Yards: 6 for 40; Punting: 2 for 48.0 average; Quarterback Sacks: 3 for 18 Individual Statistics: Rushing - Germaine Bennett, 5 carries for 76 yards; Niquan Lee, 7-47; Antawn Jenkins, 4-40; Brent Steinmetz, 6-21; Brad Michael, 5-12; Terry Kelly, 2- (-7); Ryan Carty, 6- (2-27); Team, 1 - 0; Passing - Michael, 7 of 11 for 125 yards, 2 TDs; Carty, 3 of 6 for 17 yards, 0 TDs; Kelly, 2 of 4 for 11 yards, 0 TDs; Receiving: Joe Bleymaier, 2 for 63 yards; Keith Griesbaum, 1-19; Zach Thomas 1-16; Sean Bleiler, 1-12; Brian Ingram, 2-12; David Boler, 2-9; G.J. Crescione, 1-8, Steve Selk, 1-7; Brent Steinmetz, 1-5; Sacks: Nick Iarrobino, 2-10, Chris Mooney, 1-8; Top Tacklers: John Mulhern, 9-1=10; Roger Brown, 3-1=4; Kyle Campbell, 4-0=4; John Russ, 2-1=3; Chris Mooney, 0-3=3; Sidney Haugabrook, 3-0=3.
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