Football Southern Conference

Chattanooga Spring Game Set For April 12

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.---Bragging rights are on the line Thursday night for members of the Chattanooga football team, as the Blue faces the Gold in UTC's annual Blue-Gold Spring Football Game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Finley Stadium.

The Blue-Gold Game signifies the end of spring practice. UTC's coaching staff drafted and divided up the players Tuesday. The first- and second-team offensive and defensive lines were kept intact, with the first-string offensive and defensive linemen playing on opposite teams.

Sophomore Justin Barnes will start at quarterback for the Blue squad and will be backed up by Robby Brown. Sophomore transfer Chuck Spearman will call the signals for the Gold along with Nick Derry.

"It will be a fun time, but it's also our last practice in game-like situations," Kirkpatrick said. "It will give the people of Chattanooga a chance to see our young guys before they become stars. We do not have many returning starters as in years past. This is their chance to see guys like Jeremy Grier, Kwento Ikwuezunma, Justin Barnes and Chuck Spearman before this coming season."

The Blue features senior running back Charles McNeill, senior tight end Nate Bandy and sophomore receiver Jason Jackson on offense and senior defensive tackle Trey Mathews and junior linebacker Josh Cain on defense. Sophomore Andy Ladebauche will handle the kicking duties.

The Gold has the projected starting offensive line blocking for Spearman and junior running back Jason Ball. Freshmen wideouts Grier and Ikwuezunma team up on the offense, and junior linebacker Blaz Ruzic and defensive backs Frank Goodwyn, a junior, and Bryan Lamar, a sophomore, head up the defensive unit. Tennessee transfer Brandon Mills is the Gold kicker.

Several likely starters will not dress for the game because of various injuries. Receiver Cos DeMatteo, who was the top draft choice in last year's spring game, will not participate because of a neck injury. Also out for the game are offensive lineman Heath Adams, defensive lineman Robert Springs, defensive backs Cody Goodin and Temus Terry and kicker Ben Thompson.

UTC's assistant coaches were also divided up and will call the plays. Defensive line coach Ricky Logo leads the Blue, while tight ends coach Chuck Williams heads the Gold. Mocs' boosters Jim Dye and Bob Davis will serve as honorary coaches for the Blue and Gold respectively. Kirkpatrick plans on sitting back and enjoying the game.

Tickets are $2 and can be purchased at the South gate at the Stadium. Proceeds from the game will go toward the Lupton Library on the UTC campus. The South entrance will be the only one open at the Stadium.