Miner Starters Blast Second-Teamers
Joe Banyard ran for 65 yards on the first play from scrimmage, and the Blue team tacked on a couple more touchdowns on its way to a 24-0 rout of the White squad in the annual UTEP Spring Game on Saturday in the Sun Bowl.
Banyard finished with 10 carries for 115 yards, and Javia Hall found Craig Wenrick and Anthony McGhee for scoring tosses of 12 and 62 yards as the Miners wrapped up their eighth edition of spring drills under coach Mike Price.
“I’m pleased with the spring,” Price said. “We’re getting better all the time and I expect us to continue improving throughout the fall.”
Blue quarterbacks Hall (14-for-23, 152 yards) and Nick Lamaison (8-for-18, 92 yards) combined to throw for 244 yards. The Blue team also received a combined 208 yards rushing from Banyard, Vernon Frazier (77 yards) and Leilyon Myers (16 yards). McGhee finished with six catches for 109 yards.
With the majority of the Miners’ top defensive players running with the Blue contingent, the White unit was limited to 130 yards, including 73 rushing and 57 passing.
Defensive standouts for the Blue included Michael Pickett (six tackles) and Antwon Blake (two pass break-ups). James Davidson, Jamie Fehoko and Horace Miller each registered sacks for the Blue.
A.J. Ropati posted nine tackles, Wesley Miller had three pass break-ups and Chris Whatley notched a pair of sacks to lead the White’s defensive effort.
“I was happy with just about all aspects of the scrimmage,” Price said. “The offense moved the ball and played very well at times. The defense hit hard and played very hard. I’m encouraged.”
Price placed Lamaison and Hall on the Blue team, and both took advantage of the opportunity. Hall did throw the only pick of the night, but it didn’t come back to haunt the Blue team. After Adrian James returned the interception deep into Blue territory, he fumbled and Blue receiver Jordan Leslie pounced on the ball.
“They’ve got four months to keep the position they are in right now,” Price said of Lamaison and Hall. “They both need to work on becoming more familiar with the offense.”
(source: UTEP Athletics)
