White nips Blue in entertaining UTC game

photo Runningback Kendrix Huitt takes a hit from teammate William Beaird during the Blue and Gold game at Finley Stadium on Saturday.

The offensive and defensive plans might have been basic, but there was nothing dull about the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Blue & Gold spring football game Saturday at Finley Stadium.

On the 91st and last play of the finale to spring practice, quarterback Jacob Huesman threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Riley Davis to give the White squad a 36-33 win over the Blue. With the win, the White team earned a steak dinner, to be served at a later date, while the Blue will have to settle for hot dogs.

White defensive tackle Chris Mayes let out a big roar after Davis reached the end zone.

"You know us big guys, we're really particular about our meats," Mayes said with a big smile, "so we were really excited about it."

UTC coach Russ Huesman had said the game was going to be "vanilla," meaning nothing too complicated was going to be run. More than 500 Mocs fans turned out for the game and got to see big plays made all over the field, though mostly by the offense.

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Running back Tolerance Shepherd took a Jacob Huesman screen pass and ran 75 yards for a White touchdown. Shepherd also ran for two scores, earning offensive MVP honors.

Cornerback Will Johnson intercepted a Terrell Robinson pass and returned it 68 yards for a Blue touchdown and was named the defensive MVP.

"It was a great day," Johnson said. "There were a lot of fans, the fans were great, and I thought all of us played hard, both sides of the ball. Honestly, I thought it was a productive day. We got some plays made and [had] a little excitement."

Contact John Frierson at jfrierson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6268. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MocsBeat.

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