ATHENS, Ohio – Junior cornerback Chip Cox returned an interception 62 yards for a touchdown and the defense forced three other turnovers to post a 57-33 victory in the annual Green and White Spring Game. The contest, marking the end of spring practice, featured the defense (Green) against the offense (White) using a scoring system that allowed both sides to score. In addition to actual touchdowns and field goals, points were awarded for first downs, third-down stops, turnovers and similar big plays.

The turnovers accounted for 26 of the defensive points as Dennis Chukwuemeka picked off a pass, while Tyler Russ and Kevin Carberry recovered fumbles. The defense led 23-5 at halftime before allowing three second-half scores – a nine-yard run by Ray Huston, a six-yard run by Phillip Fountain and a 31-yard pass from Ryan Hawk to Anthony Hackett.

Hawk finished the day with 209 yards and one touchdown on 11-of-22 passing, while adding 16 yards on seven attempts. He connected with Scott Mayle for two completions, 49- and 41-yarders. He also completed a 36-yard strike to former quarterback Adam Porter, who finished with three catches for 50 yards in his first scrimmage as a receiver. Fred Ray was 11-for-20 passing for 64 yards. Huston led all rushers with 20 yards on six carries.

Statistics
Rushing (31-59-2 td): Ray Huston 6-20-1 td; Ryan Hawk 7-16; Anthony Hackett 1-14; Phillip Fountain 2-13-1 td; Ike Simmons 1-11; Brad Young 5-5; Fred Ray 5-2; Stafford Owens 1-(-1); Justin Roush 2-(-6); TEAM 1-(-15).

Passing (23-43-2, 286 yards, 1 td): Ryan Hawk 11-22-1, 209 yards, 1 td; Fred Ray 11-20-1, 64 yards; Adam Porter 1-1-0, 13 yards.

Receiving (23-286-1 td): Adam Porter 3-50; D.T. Boon 3-33; Ahmona Maxwell 3-21; Justin Halada 3-12; Scott Mayle 2-90; Anthony Hackett 2-40-1 td; Stafford Owens 2-7; Justin Riley 1-11; Justin Roush 1-10; Ryan Antle 1-6; Bobby Teten 1-4; Ray Huston 1-2.

Quotes from Head Coach Brian Knorr
“I am happy we got through spring practice without an injuries. We were missing too many key players this spring because of that. I was pleased today with the way the defense flew around to the ball. This is the second year using (defensive coordinator Tim) DeRuyter’s scheme and I think we got the right personnel in there. I am excited about the group coming back on that side of the ball. Most of the spring we alternated between the offense and defense getting better days, and today the defense came through.

“I think Ryan (Hawk) and Fred (Ray) have both had better scrimmages than today, but I have been pleased with both today. We ran them in and out virtually every play and it showed how versatile we can be.”