Sherrill pleased with spring
By By Marty Stamper/EMG sports assistant
April 7, 2002
STARKVILLE There was no doubt who would win' the spring football game' at Mississippi State Saturday afternoon at Scott Field as an estimated gathering of 7,500 observed the final spring scrimmage.
After all, it's pretty hard to win when your team has no offense … literally. And that was the situation the White team faced.
The Maroon team was the offense for the entire game with Kevin Fant and Kyle York sharing series at quarterback. Both had their moments in a day where the whistles were quick and the defense was not allowed to blitz.
Among the missing was tailback Dontae Walker, along with three offensive tackles.
Sherrill said Fant was at about 60 percent in his throwing arm after undergoing surgery following the 2001 season. Fant completed 18-of-22 passes for 201 yards and four touchdowns, while York was 7-of-17 for 107 yards.
Bivines had six catches for 82 yards. Hargro had two for 31 yards and Terrell Grindle had two for 50.
After throwing an interception to Gabe Wallace on his first series, Fant came back to team with Grindle on a 40-yard scoring toss on his next series.
Not be outdone, York hit Bivines on a 42-yard touchdown pass. Fant later teamed with Bivines on a 9-yard scoring pass.
One of the game's biggest highlights came when basketball player Michael Gholar picked off a York pass and returned it 28 yards to the 17 to set up a 7-yard touchdown pass from Fant to Aaron Lumpkin.
Another highlight was a sidearm pass from Fant while under heavy pressure.
Fred Reid and Justin Griffith had most of the carries. Griffith scored on a 29-yard run and gained 46 yards on six carries. Reid had 10 rushes for 52 yards. Elmore Wonsley picked up 44 yards on 10 attempts.
Donald Lee caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Fant.
Joe Judge scored on a 10-yard run and Antonio Mills got the last touchdown on a 1-yard run.
Sherrill was not happy with his entire defensive unit.
Those who watched Ole Miss last fall know what a weak defensive line can lead to.
Linebacker T.J. Mawhinney was the top tackler with 10.
Brent Smith and John Michael Marlin had a one-on-one field goal kicking contest in the latter stages with Smith connecting from 47, 52, and 57 yards after missing from 32. Marlin misfired from 39 and 50. Smith was well short on a 51-yard try into the wind early in the scrimmage.
The punting left much to be desired. Jared Cook had a 32-yarder and was tackled for a loss after bobbling a snap on another attempt.
State opens its 2002 season at Oregon on Aug. 31.
