Golden Ram Football Club: 2018 Spring Game Report - Purple 28

Saturday, April 28, 2018

2018 Spring Game Report - Purple 28 - Gold 13

Some observations from Friday's Purple-Gold game which was won by Purple by a score of 28-13:

Purple featured the first team offense while Gold was manned by the first team defense.
A.J. Long (6 of 10, 92 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) started at quarterback, but both he and Paul Dooley (3 of 12, 88 yards, 1 TD, 1 int) played for Purple. Neither separated himself from the other, although Long did pick up 45 yards on the ground on six carries and completed a 23-yard pass to Rasheem James after a lengthy scramble.
Right guard Frank Tranzilli was the only offensive lineman that also started last spring. This year, he was flanked by Jake Duncan at right tackle, Jack Mummert at center, Ben Smith at left guard, and Patrick Ferry at left tackle. Tyler Drob, who sat out last season with an injury, did not dress but figures to factor in once August rolls around.
In the running game, both Mike Class (65 yards, 2 TD's) and Mark Dukes (53 yards) looked strong for Purple.
Purple also had the three players that are expected to lead the receiving corps - Lex Rosario (3 catches, 91 yards, 2 TD's), Rasheem James (4 catches, 121 yards) and Dan Neuhaus (1 catch, 17 yards).
While kicker Andrew Chegia converted all four PAT's for Purple, his 46-yard field goal attempt fell short and his 38-yard attempt slipped wide left.
The Gold defense was led by Nate Barnes (10 tackles) who has moved from safety to linebacker, and Jarey Elder (seven tackles and a 32-yard interception return).
Dashon Thomas flipped from the offensive line to the defensive line and registered two tackles for loss.
The Gold offense was led by quarterback Mike Piperno (15 for 25, 212 yards, 2 TD's).
The Gold offense struggled mightily with East Stroudsburg transfer James Bell managing just nine yards to lead the way. Bell did haul in four catches for 45 yards while Darnell Ferrell had 124 yards on eight receptions. Ethan Harris and Joe Kennedy each had touchdown catches.
Purple defensive back Cole Zapf was all over the place in his first game experience for the Golden Rams and finished with ten tackles and 2.0 sacks.
Also for Purple, Wyatt Smith and Ryan George registered sacks while Chico Day and Tez Young each had an interception.
Almost all members of the 2018 recruiting class were present for introductions at halftime along with newly announced wide receiver Wes Verbit and defensive lineman William Voss.