Valpo Football Holds Annual Spring Game

 

The Valparaiso University football team held its annual spring game on Sunday afternoon at Brown Field, winding down the 2023 spring practice slate in front of a nice crowd featuring signed incoming freshmen, prospective student-athletes, alumni and fans.

 

The defense prevailed 24-7 as the intra-squad offense vs. defense scrimmage used a modified scoring system that started with the defense ahead 21-0. A fumble recovery by Hayden Bedell accounted for the three points by the defense as the defense was awarded with three points for a forced turnover.

 

The offensive scoring came on a four-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Rowan Keefe to Luke Dawson. The touchdown was followed by a successful PAT by Patrick Oliva. That drive covered 75 yards on 11 plays and was highlighted by a 24-yard run by Ryan Mann and a 19-yard dash by Keefe.

 

Michael Appel Jr. went 9-for-15 through the air for 130 yards, while Mann rushed for 61 yards on seven carries to lead the ground game. Matt Martin hauled in a team-high three catches for 48 yards, while Max Carter had a 38-yard reception and Evan Jernegan had two grabs for 32 yards.

 

The defense accrued 10 sacks, led by two from Jimmy Pouba, who also paced the team with five tackles.

 

Additional coverage of the spring game is coming this week, including a special edition of the Valpo Coaches Show as head coach Landon Fox joins Brandon Vickrey to look back at the spring game and provide his thoughts on the spring season. Continued coverage will also feature a social media hype video from the game.