Maroon Defeats White 14-3 To Conclude Spring Drills

The Mississippi State Maroon team, comprised primarily of the regular offensive and defensive players, defeated its White team counterpart 14-3 Saturday to conclude the school's 2006 spring practice session as part of Super Bulldog Weekend activities.
"We did some good things out there today, but the best thing was that we didn't get anybody hurt," MSU head football coach Sylvester Croom said following the one-hour scrimmage conducted with a running clock.
"It ended an excellent spring," Croom said. "The most impressive thing is that our players understand the offensive and defensive schemes. The guys have been in program for two years now and even the young kids are concerned with technique.
"We set out this spring to accomplish all the details…do the little things right," Croom added. "We wanted to be mentally and physically tough and show some leadership. Everybody has bought into what we're doing. We're a football 'team' now."
The Maroon team rebounded from an opening salvo from the White squad. Redshirt freshman quarterback Ty Evans directed the reserves 27 yards on six snaps on their first possession to set up senior Keith Andrews' 55-yard field goal.
Sophomore quarterback Michael Henig responded by driving the Maroon 65 yards on nine plays, culminating the drive with a 6-yard scoring toss to junior wide receiver Tyler Threadgill.
The Maroons added the game's final scoring play on the White team's next series. True freshman cornerback Anthony Johnson stepped in front of an Evans pass, returning the interception 50 yards for a score.
"I thought we got better every day defensively," Croom said of his team. "And we made improvement offensively. We had some big guns out most of the spring. (Junior wide receiver) Tony Burks did not scrimmage after pulling a hamstring. We just did not want that to be a recurring problem.
"(Tight end) Eric Butler and (halfback) Brandon Thornton didn't take contact all spring," Croom added. "With the improvement of Keon (Humphries) and (Tyler) Threadgill, we'll be better at wide receiver. Our offensive line will be better. And (Michael) Henig will make plays."