Blue Comes Back To Defeat White In Spring Game, 63-53

Mario Henry returns a fumble back for an 89-yard score
BUFFALO, NY - Despite a 33-11 lead after the first quarter of play, the Blue (defense) came back to defeat the White (offense), 62-53, in a controlled scrimmage at UB Stadium to wrap up the University at Buffalo's spring practice sessions.

Chad Upshaw

The White took an early advantage in the game as sophomore Chris McDuffie (Amherst, NY/Williamsville North) scored on a four-yard touchdown run, his only carry on the day. That play was setup as the White used a double reverse on the opening play of the game, going 61 yards. Brett Hamlin (Jupiter, FL/William T. Dwyer) took the handoff and found Chad Upshaw Southport, CT/St. Joseph's) up the right side of the field. Upshaw made his way to the goal line, but was stopped at the four-yard line.

Jared Patterson (Belvidere, NJ/Belvidere) would add a four-yard run of his own, as he finished the day with a game-high 39 yards.

However, the Blue didn't get down after the early deficit and over the next three quarters crept its way back into the game. With the modified scoring system, the Blue got back into the contest as it stopped the White on five straight possessions. Tom Drewes (Dumore, PA/Dunmore/Milford Prep) recorded a game-high 11 tackles, including one for loss and a pass deflection.

The turning play in the game was on a Tony Paoli (Fort Lauderdale, FL/St. Thomas Aquinas/Palomar JC) pass that was complete to Chris Sharon (Salem, NH/Salem). As Sharon attempted to turn and go up field, he was hit by Andrae Evans (Cleveland, OH/Glenville) and lost the ball. As the pigskin continued to roll on the field, it was picked up by Mario Henry (Erie, PA/Strong Vincent) at the 11-yard line and he sprinted 89 yards for the touchdown, giving the Blue its first lead of the game.

"I think our guys put a better effort out there today," said head coach Turner Gill. "Over the course of the spring the guys have gotten a better understanding of what our expectations are for this team."

Tony Paoli

The Blue used that play as motivation and stopped a few more White threats, not only increasing its score, but preventing the White from making anymore noise.

James Judges (Pickering, Ontario/St. Mary's Secondary) continued his streak of excellent spring game performances, this time finishing with three sacks. Last year, he finished with four sacks and six tackles overall.

Trevor Scott (Potsdam, NY/Potsdam) moved over from the offensive end to the defensive end in the offseason and made an impact as a defensive lineman in today's game. Scott recorded three tackles on the afternoon, including two sacks of the quarterback. Jeff Bublavi (Norwood, PA/Interboro) chipped in assisting with seven tackles.

"I thought the defensive side stood out a little more to me this afternoon," said Gill. "I thought Mario's play where he scooped up the ball and took it for a score was very good and I thought Ted Rene (Nyack, NY/Nyack/Dean JC) played very well in the game."

Paoli led the Bulls in passing yards, going six-of-nine for 80 yards. Freshman Drew Willy (Randolph, NJ/Randolph) saw the majority of action, finishing 6-of-21 for 59 yards, while throwing one interception. James Starks (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara Falls) was perfect on his two attempts, finishing with 19 yards.

Upshaw recorded 69 yards on the day, 61 coming on the first play from scrimmage and Ernest Jackson (Rochester, NY/Gates-Chili) led the squad with four receptions for 51 yards.

"I thought Ernest played very well today," said Gill. "He showed some nice hands making a couple of tough grabs across the middle of the field.

Gerry McGroarty

Gerry McGroarty (Wilkes-Barre, PA/Bishop Hoban) went 2-for-2 on his extra point conversions, while Adam Tanalski (Bellerose Village, NY/St. Francis Prep/Nassau CC) converted on his only try of the game. Junior Ben Woods (Hermitage, PA/DeMatha Catholic) got into the action as well, with three punts totaling 124 yards.

The Bulls now end practice until the beginning of August as they prepare for the 2006 season. UB kicks off the year when it hosts Temple on Thursday, August 31 at 7:00 pm.

04/22/2006