Bucknell Football Hosts Successful 2023 Spring Game
4/23/2023 2:15:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Bucknell football team held a successful Spring Game on Sunday at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium at the Pascucci Family Athletics Complex.
The defense emerged victorious in all three scored sessions to defeat the offense, 3-0. The Spring Game consisted of three scored sessions: a move-the-ball scrimmage, a red-zone scrimmage and a 4th-down challenge. After each of these sessions, the winning side was awarded a point.
In the opening session, the offense jumped out to a lead when quarterback Nick Semptimphelter found tight end Christian Spugnardi in the corner of the end zone on a six-yard touchdown pass. The defense responded, however, forcing several third down stops. On the final drive, Cade Rooney broke through the offensive line and made a tackle on fourth down to give the defense the advantage.
Defensive backs Caleb Gillen and Bradley Pao both racked up plenty of tackles, while Tyler Alston, Connor Carretta, Mason Taylor and Mike Bright Jr. posted sacks.
In the red zone session, the offense was given four chances to score a combined 20 points. Again, the offense got off to a strong start as quarterback Tyler Beverett scampered for a rushing touchdown on the first possession. The defense turned the tide on the second possession when cornerback Ethan Robinson intercepted a pass in the end zone.
Daniel Sierk then picked up a fumble on the third drive, and Sam Barnes posted a sack on fourth-and-long on the final possession to give the defense a 2-0 advantage.
The defense looked strong in the final segment as well, where 13 fourth-down plays were called from different distances. The offense converted on several attempts, including a pair of completions from quarterback Ralph Rucker – one to Damian Harris and one to Christian Tait. Quarterback Michael Hardyway also found Harris deep to pick up a first down. The defense held the advantage in the end to seal the win.
The Bison saw several strong moments from its special teams units as well, highlighted by a 45-yard made field goal by freshman kicker Matt Schearer.
During the Spring Game, Cecchini announced that running back Coleman Bennett, linebacker Blake Leake, Semptimphelter and offensive lineman Casey Stephenson will captain the 2023 team. They were voted as captains by their peers.
Additionally, season tickets for the 2023 Bucknell football campaign went on sale during Sunday's Spring Game. Fans can purchase their tickets online through the campus box office.
