SPRING GAME RECAP: Pierce pleased with Crimson and Gold game action

By Sandy Gholston

Big Rapids - - Considering the sheer number of points that lit up the scoreboard (a score of 49-14), during Friday evening’s annual Crimson and Gold Spring Game, Ferris State University now will certainly have to take a closer look at its options at quarterback – among several other positions on the depth chart.

Ferris State University’s Tom Schneider opened some eyes with a strong three-touchdown performance in the Crimson and Gold Spring Game on Friday night. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

The good news for head coach Jeff Pierce is that all his quarterbacks showed potential to make plays on offense. Kyle Foster was first to make something happen as he completed a 74-yard touchdown pass to Tim Hogue, who has the versatility to be a threat in the team’s passing and running games. The next touchdown was courtesy of Tom Schneider, who completed a 21-yard scoring pass to David Johnson. Schneider then tossed a 45-yard touchdown pass to Damien Miller in the second quarter and a 33-yard scoring pass to Kevin Ward, a player who was recruited as a quarterback, but has been converted to a receiver.

Schneider’s play added a little more intrigue to an already-intriguing quarterback battle.

“It feels good knowing we’re going to have some real competition at the quarterback position with the three guys we had a chance to see this spring and in our spring game as we look ahead to the fall,” Pierce said. “All three of our quarterbacks bring different strengths to the table and those are things we’re going to be looking at going into the fall. But the thing is, at this point, nothing is settled and we’re going to definitely have some competition when these guys come back (for training game in the fall).”

From a running standpoint, Ferris had some positives as well as powerful back Leonard Curry was a beast carrying the football. Curry, fighting for the top running back spot on the team’s depth chart, had a 1-yard touchdown run at 9:10 of the second quarter, a 2-yard scoring run at 6:16 of the second and a 1-yard score at 2:25 of the second quarter. He clearly made his case for being a threat for the Bulldogs in goal-line situations. Hogue had a big offensive day as well with the 74-yard touchdown reception and a 10-yard touchdown run.

“We really saw some good things, offensively, and we had a chance to see a lot of players do some good things,” Pierce said. “So, we had a chance to see a lot of different players and we didn’t suffer any major injuries so there were a lot of things to feel good about. As coaches, we’re going to have a lot of things to look at and consider as we get ready for the fall season.”

From a defensive standpoint, linebacker Bo Buss had one of the most exciting plays of the night as he returned a fumble 92 yards for a touchdown.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com