The Quad

Issue date: 4/30/07 Section: Sports

WEST CHESTER -Thursday's annual Purple and Gold game at Farrell Stadium ceremoniously marked the end of the West Chester football team's spring practice, while also marking the beginning of the rigorous summer session preparing the football team for the 2007 season.

The Purple and Gold game matches the first team offense against the second team defense and vice versa, in an attempt to develop team cohesion, as well as scout individual player performances against teammates of similar dexterity.

Unlike previous years where the offense clearly outplayed the defense, this year's game was ruled by a quick and aggressive defense.

Both teams began the first half feeling each other out, trying to set the tone with defensive blitz packages rather than big offensive plays. After a series of excellent defensive stops by both teams, the Purple squad decided to spice things up, drawing first blood.

With less than five minutes left in the first quarter, Purple quarterback Bill Zwaan Jr. successfully executed a flea-flicker, connecting with senior receiver Cody Clarke, wide open down the field for a 70-yard gain. Dean Millard capped the drive off with a 1-yard touchdown run, but a missed extra point attempt by Alex Walsh, leaving Purple with a 6-0 lead.

The Gold team responded in the second, by capitalizing on Purple's consistent blitzing. On almost every defensive play, Purple had players in the gold backfield. This quick rush was eventually picked up by Gold quarterback Joe Wright, who stepped up into the over pursuit of the Purple rush, and scampered 44 yards into the Purple red zone. Despite stingy defense by Purple, Gold eventually got on the board thanks to a two-yard out pass from Wright to Pat McDermott, putting Gold on top 7-6.

Both teams struggled to move the ball as the half ran down, though Gold running back, Lee Hopkins gashed the Purple defense for 69 yards on 11 carries, in an impressive showing.

Yet in spite of a steady dose of Hopkins and the Gold run game, Purple got the last word of the half on another big play. Wide receiver Steve Miller made his presence felt by running a very crisp post pattern that resulted in an 80-yard touchdown pass from Zwaan. This concluded the first half, with Purple on top, 13-7.

The second half began with a running clock, and even more aggressive defensive play from both teams. New quarterbacks Mike Quinn (Purple) and Tom Maha (Gold) started off the second half being chased around the field. No real progress was made on the ground, because both offenses could not find any constancy. Because of the running clock, the half ended almost as quickly as it began, concluding the misery of the second half offenses that were being hunted for game by the defenses. The final score of the game was 16-7 purple.

Continued...

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