Saturday, March 29, 2008

RUSSELL SHINES IN TUSCULUM SPRING FOOTBALL GAME

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Corey Russell passed for 391 yards and five touchdowns to lead the White Team to a 47-33 win over the Black squad in the Tusculum College Spring Football Game Saturday afternoon at Pioneer Field.

The inter-squad scrimmage featured the Tusculum offense (white) against the Pioneer defense (black) utilizing a modified scoring system, with the defense earning points for third down stops, three and outs, turnovers and defensive touchdowns.

Russell went 19-for-28 in the inter-squad scrimmage as he completed passes to nine different receivers on the afternoon. His favorite target on the day was newcomer Nate Binder as he made four receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns, including a 70-yard scoring strike from Russell in the second quarter.

Russell completed a 47-yard strike to Calvin Britt for the first points of the day. Gareth Rowlands added the extra point for a 7-0 lead for TC White. On the ensuing possession, the defense held on third down, giving TC Black a point. But Rowland answered with a 52-yard field for TC White and a 10-1 advantage.

The defense answered when Russell was picked off by All-South Atlantic Conference defensive back Jeremy Thompson who returned the interception 45 yards for a touchdown as TC Black trailed 10-8. The defense held the offense to a couple of punts to close out the quarter as the defense led 13-10.

But in the second quarter, the offense exploded with four touchdowns, including three TD tosses by Russell. Jamar Ferguson got things started with a one-yard TD rush. Binder followed with TD catches for 35 and 70 yards, while Jarrell NeSmith hauled in a 40-yard strike by Russell.

In the start of the second half Russell found Ryan Tallent in the back of the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown, which Rowlands followed with a 44-yard field goal to put the game out of reach.

The defense made some outstanding third down stops and forced a pair of turnovers, including a fumble recovery by Justin Scott and an interception by Tagon Richard.

Tallent finished the game with seven receptions for 81 yards and a TD, while NeSmith accounted for a five catches for 83 yards and a score.

Reserve quarterback Altorien Reed went 6-for-15 for 104 yards, including a 25-yard pass to Kurt Napier.

With the annual spring game, the Pioneers wrap up their spring drills as they prepare for the 2008 season.

- TC -