Green tops Gold at spring game
In the first half of NDSU’s spring football game Saturday, Bison linebacker Mike Maresh got a first-hand look at how effective Steve Walker and the NDSU offense runs.
In the second half, Walker realized how fortunate he was to not have to play against Maresh and NDSU’s first-team defense again.
In front of a crowd of 2,142, the Green team defeated the Gold 21-14 squad Saturday at the Fargodome.
“Initially, it was kind of discouraging on our defense,” said NDSU head coach Craig Bohl. “But I think they stiffened up as the game went along.”
On its first two possessions, the Green team (NDSU’s first-team offense) scored touchdowns.
After senior John Majeski returned the opening kickoff 57 yards, Walker completed five passes, including a 12-yard touchdown to tight end Jerimiah Wurzbacher.
With the team’s top returning receiver, Kole Heckendorf, out with an injury, Walker and the NDSU offense showed no signs of struggle with its passing game.
“I think overall we showed some good things,” Walker said. “Losing (graduating senior Travis White) obviously is going to be a big thing for an offense and when Kole went down that was big, but some of those younger guys stepped up.”
Jordan Schultenover, a sophomore receiver, caught two passes for 65 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown grab 0:34 remaining in the first half.
Before the touchdown catch, Shultenover caught a 40-yard pass from Walker on third down.
The Gold team (NDSU’s second-team offense) had several receivers stand out.
Landon Smith had three receptions for 48 yards, including a highlight-reel catch in the back of the end zone.
Freshman Gary Williams also had three receptions. Shamen Washington, who after sitting out last season was moved from running back to receiver, caught two passes for 34 yards.
“Alex Belquist had a good spring. He might be our most improved player over the spring,” Bohl said. “(Gary Williams) has done things well. Certainly showed us some things.”
The offensive spectacle ended at halftime. Neither team scored in the second half. Linebackers Joe Mays and Maresh led the Gold defense (NDSU’s first-team defense) with a game-high 12 tackles each.
In the battle between Nick Mertens and Ryan Parsons, both vying for the right to backup Walker, Mertens did better passing while Parsons was effective on the ground.
Mertens finished 8-14 for a 120 yards and a touchdown. Parsons was just 3-5 for five yards and threw an interception, but ran the ball 10 times for 65 yards.
After the game, Bohl made no indication to which player will backup Walker this season.
“I think they both bring things to the table,” Bohl said. “I do think both guys showed some athleticism.”
The game marked the end of NDSU’s spring practice schedule. The team will open its season September 8 when it hosts Stephen F. Austin.