April 26, 1999
LEXINGTON, Ky. – As expected, the Blue Team – comprised of first- and second-teamers -defeated the White Team (second- and third-teamers), 65-8, in the annualUniversity of Kentucky Blue/White Spring Football Game, played Saturdayafternoon before a capacity crowd of 6,200 at Rawlings Stadium on thecampus of Georgetown (Ky.) College.
“I think we got as far as we could this spring,” Coach Hal Mumme said.”The players have a lot of work to do during the summer, but I feel goodabout what we accomplished.”
Dusty Bonner, who won the battle for the starting quarterback positionthis spring, led the way by completing 18 of 27 passes for 261 yards, threetouchdowns, and no interceptions. He played two quarters. Mike Scipionecame off the Blue bench in the fourth quarter and completed six of ninepasses for 126 yards and one touchdown.
“Dusty played two quarters today and we got out of it what we were lookingfor,” Mumme said. “We were pleased with him and he really spread the ballaround well. I thought ‘Scip’ had a good day today. He did a good jobrunning the team, and that’s what he has to work on.”
As happened throughout the spring, the quarterbacks hit a variety oftargets as four different receivers scored touchdowns. Wide receiverQuentin McCord led the way with six catches for 118 yards. Wide receiverGarry Davis snagged three balls for 94 yards, including a 26-yardtouchdown. Wide receiver Jimmy Robinson caught four passes for 62 yards,including a 49-yard TD. Halfback Anthony White caught two passes for 60yards, including a 26-yard score. The other touchdown came on a one-yardpass to tight end James Whalen.
Fullback Derek Homer paced the Blue ground game. He rushed six times for63 yards and two touchdowns, including scoring runs of three and four yards.
The Blue defense also played well. The Blue limited the White Team to 134yards total offense, including a minus-25 yards rushing. The Blue alsoscored twice. Linebacker Morris Lane recovered a bad snap in the end zonefor a touchdown and cornerback Eric Kelly intercepted a pass interception36 yards for a touchdown. Strong safety David Johnson and cornerbackKenneth Grant also had interceptions.
“Eric Kelly and Kenneth Grant had outstanding springs,” Mumme said.”They’re a little leg-weary now, but that’s good for them. They’ve reallyimproved. Their coverage has tightened, and when they get beat they havethe speed to catch up.”
The defensive line had four sacks, including one each by tackles GeorgeMassey, Jimmy Haley, John Robinson, and Gordon Crowe. The line alsoknocked away three passes, including two by end Anwar Stewart.
Quarterbacks Mark Perry and Corry Doyle led the White offense. Perrycompleted 10 of 24 for 109 yards with two interceptions. Doyle hit 4 of 15for 50 yards with one pickoff. Six receivers caught two passes for theWhite. Wide receiver Mike Beirne caught two for 39 yards and wide receiverJermaine White caught two for 37. Fullback Martez Johnson rushed threetimes for 13 yards and fullback Artose Pinner rushed three times for 10 yards.
Punter Andy Smith kicked extremely well with three punts for an average of60.3 yards. Kicker Seth Hanson made one of four field goals. He missedfrom 48 yards and made one of three from 37 yards. Kicker Marc Samuel didan excellent job of putting kickoffs into the end zone.
“We were pleased with the punts and kickoffs but not so much with thefield goal kicking,” Mumme said. “Andy Smith had a great day punting theball. Best of all, his kicks were all near the sidelines.”
The first quarter was the annual UK alumni touch football game. The BlueAlumni opened the scoring on a 55-yard punt return touchdown by LittletonWard. The White Alumni tied the game on a six-yard run by AntonioO’Ferral, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Tommy Griggs toDarrin Clark. The White Alumni led 8-6 at the end of the first quarter andthe score remained on the board when the varsity took the field in thesecond quarter.
Saturday’s action wrapped up spring practice for the Wildcats. The teamwill return to practice in August following a summer of strength-buildingworkouts.
