SLU closes out first spring under Scelfo with annual spring game

HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana offense and defense each had impressive moments during the annual Spring Game, as the Lion football team closed out spring on Super Lion Saturday afternoon at Strawberry Stadium.

The Lions ran approximately 60 plays over the 40-minute scrimmage that saw the Gold (offense) edge the White (defense), 40-35. The offense earned points in the traditional manner, while also being awarded points for first downs, explosive plays and red zone trips. The defense was awarded points for turnovers, sacks, 3-and-outs and stops.

Even though the offense topped the defense on the final scoreboard, Southeastern first-year head coach Frank Scelfo was really pleased with the defense’s effort on Saturday.

“On one hand, we turned the ball over too many times on offense,” Scelfo said. “But, we were proud of the defense for forcing those turnovers. We’ve had good energy and played fast all spring and we were able to see that again today, so overall we were pleased.”

Junior Chason Virgil led the Lions in passing, completing 8-of-12 passes for 101 yards and an interception. The top targets in the passing game for SLU were senior Nih-jer Jackson (2 catches, 39 yards), senior Jake Ingraffia (3 catches, 22 yards) and junior Bransen Schwebel (3 catches, 17 yards). Virgil and senior Darren Johnson hooked up on the longest play of the day, a 34-yard catch and run.

10 different Lions were credited with carries on Saturday. Sophomore Delmonte Hall led Southeastern with 24 yards on seven rushes.

The Lion defense forced three turnovers, as junior Matthew Wright intercepted a Virgil pass, while senior Sean Clavelle and junior Xavier Lewis each recovered fumbles. Junior Tre’ Spann finished with a team-high five tackles, while freshman Ferlando Jordan and senior Tamarcus Russell each added four tackles. Spann, Jordan, Russell, senior Jon Miller and junior Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund each were credited with sacks.
Southeastern senior kicker Jonathan Tatum was successful on 2-of-3 field goal attempts. The Alexandria, Louisiana native connected on field goals of 36 and 22 yards.

Southeastern will open up the 2018 season with road games at FBS opponents ULM (Sept. 1) and LSU (Sept. 8), before opening its five-game home schedule on Sept. 15 versus Central Arkansas.

“We want to thank our fans for coming out to support us today and meeting our players and coaches,” Scelfo said. “This was a great day for Southeastern Athletics with football, softball and baseball and all the people visiting our beautiful campus. We’re excited where we’re at as a team after the spring and we’re looking forward to growing more as a program and we move closer to the start of the season.”

SLU Football Spring Game Individual Stats

Offense

Passing
Chason Virgil – 8-for-12, 101 yards, 1 INT
Byron Walker – 5-for-7, 56 yards

Lorenzo Nunez – 2-for-6, 21 yards

Rushing
Delmonte Hall – 7 rushes, 24 yards
Darren Johnson – 2 rushes, 12 yards
Lorenzo Nunez – 2 rushes, 11 yards
Byron Walker – 2 rushes, 4 yards
Joey Verghaegh – 2 rushes, -5 yards
CJ Turner – 1 rush, 13 yards
Nih-Jer Jackson – 1 rush, 6 yards
Juwan Petit-Frere – 1 rush, 2 yards
Chris Brown – 1 rush, 2 yards

Travon Stokes – 1 rush, -3 yards

Receiving
Jake Ingraffia – 3 catches, 22 yards
Bransen Schwebel – 3 catches, 17 yards
Nih-Jer Jackson – 2 catch, 39 yards
Darren Johnson – 1 catch, 34 yards
Zeke Jenkins – 1 catch, 6 yards
Jacq’co Price – 1 catch, 10 yards

Defense
Tre’ Spann – 5 tackles, 1 PBU, 1 sack, 1 TFL
Ferlando Jordan – 4 tackles, 1 sack
Tamarcus Russell – 4 tackles, 1 sack

Keith Benjamin – 3 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 PBU
Matthew Wright  – 2 tackles, 1 INT
Michael Mason – 2 tackles
Shamar Busby – 2 tackles
Xavier Lewis – 1 tackle, 1 fumble recovery
Ja’Hmal Macklin – 1 tackle, 1 tackle for loss
Tainano Gailua – 1 tackle, 1 tackle for loss
Sean Clavelle – 1 fumble recovery
Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund – 1 sack

Jon Miller – 1 sack
Will Douglas – 1 tackle, 1 QB hurry
Fred Brown – 1 tackle
Troy Kruchten – 1 tackle
Aaron Kent – 1 tackle
Ronald Cherry – 1 tackle
Jordan Griffin – 1 tackle
Aaron Craig – 1 tackle

Special Teams
Jonathan Tatum – 2-3 FG – Made (22, 36); Missed (34)