Moon Township, Pa. - On a wet and rainy Saturday morning, the Robert Morris University football team concluded its 2011 spring camp with the annual Blue-White scrimmage at Joe Walton Stadium.
Tied, 27-27, the White Team rattled off 25 straight points to post a 52-27 victory over the Blue Team.
"Obviously the weather wasn't ideal, but I don't want that to take away from the fact that we had a productive spring camp," head coach Joe Walton said. "The kids worked hard the entire camp, and they played hard today. I'm excited to see where we go from here."
Scoring with a points-based system in which points were awarded for first downs, defensive stops, turnovers and a negative yardage play, for the second straight spring game only two touchdowns were scored on the afternoon.
On the third play of the second series, sophomore quarterback Jeff Sinclair's (Natrona Heights, Pa. / Highlands) pass attempt to junior tight end Shadrae King (McKeesport, Pa. / McKeesport) was high, and freshman defensive back D.J. Myers (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Pittsburgh Central Catholic) came up with the interception.
Myers scampered untouched 56 yards down the home sideline for the touchdown to give the Blue Team an early lead.
"Most of the guys that are vying for starting positions next year made progress this spring," Walton said. "That's one of the main things we were looking for. We had some guys hurt that weren't able to participate in camp, whether it was on the offensive line or at wide receiver, and while it's disappointing it gives other guys a chance to show what they can do. Despite those injuries the guys we were counting on to step up improved a lot, especially on defense."
In addition to the pick six for Myers, the Colonials blocked a field goal attempt, recorded a trio of sacks, recovered two fumbles and added another interception. For the White Team, redshirt senior defensive back Tyler Overton (Columbus, Ohio / Westerville Central) recovered a fumble and added an interception, while sophomore defensive lineman Steve Mitchell (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Pittsburgh Central Catholic) recorded a sack and a fumble recovery.
Also coming up with sacks for the RMU White Team were sophomore defensive lineman Cory Nolton (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Baldwin) and freshman defensive lineman Chris Thompkins (Webster, N.Y. / Webster), while junior linebacker Jon Krepps (Belle Vernon, Pa. / Belle Vernon) blocked a 42-yard field goal attempt for the Blue Team.
The lone touchdown on offense came when freshman quarterback Tony Johnson (Homestead, Pa. / Steel Valley) hooked up with sophomore tight end Andrew Smith (Cranberry Township, Pa. / Seneca Valley) for a 26-yard touchdown pass. The score ignited the White Team's final burst to victory.
In the backfield, both sophomore Monty Ashby (Pittsburgh, Pa. / East Allegheny) and freshman Deontae Howard (Clairton, Pa. / Clairton) saw time with the first team offense.
Ashby carried eight times for 43 yards (5.4 yards per rush), including a 23-yard scamper, while Howard rushed seven times for 36 yards (5.1 yards carry), including a 22-yard rush.
"Both Monty and Deontae had good camps," Walton said. "How those two progress this summer and into training camp is going to be very interesting. They are both talented running backs with the chance to be very exciting. It's going to be fun to watch."
Nolton led the defense with four tackles, while defensive lineman Nolan Nearhoof (Gibsonia, Pa. / Mars Area) and linebackers Anthony Caperelli (Johnstown, Pa. / Bishop McCort), Kyle Cooper (Hurricane, W.Va. / Hurricane) and Mark Centofanti (West Mifflin, Pa. / West Mifflin) each posted three takedowns.
Training camp for the 2011 regular season begins in August, with the season opener set for Saturday, Sept. 3, against Dayton at Joe Walton Stadium. Kickoff against the Flyers is slated for Noon.
