University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hens Complete Spring Season with Blue & White Game
4/16/2022 7:41:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – Football was back at Delaware Stadium on Saturday as the Blue Hens wrapped up their spring practice schedule with the annual Blue & White Spring Football Game. Fans were treated to the first glimpse of Delaware football in the Ryan Carty-era as the squad played approximate 70 plays of live scrimmage.
The team was split into two squads as most players wore either blue jerseys with yellow pants or white jerseys with white pants. Members of Delaware's offensive line and the special teams members wore UD's all-black uniforms as they were suiting up for both sides.
Nolan Henderson, playing for the Blue team, quickly got things going on the first drive of the day as he completed his first two attempts to Brett Buckman,
On White's first drive, Zach Gwynn completed a long pass to Eddie Scannapieco down the left sideline, but a sack by Jack Dinicola and a Ty Davis interception gave possession back to Blue. Gwynn would bounce back to complete a long 40-yard pass to Makhi Jackson
The defense dominated much of the afternoon as the Blue Hens forced four turnovers on the afternoon, including a red zone interception by Mateo Vandamia following the deep completion to Jackson. Joe Zubillaga added a pick as well.
Delaware featured a balance offense as the running game made several key contributions. Joseph Bruno had several big runs including a 13-yard run where he blew past multiple defenders. Christopher Pierce also showcased his strength as he bulldozed his way for a first-down conversion on a fourth down play near midfield.
Neither side could manage to put any points on the board until Ryan O'Connor led the White squad on a march down the field. He completed a big pass down the middle to tight end Luke Frederick before Marcus Yarns caught a ball in the flat, stiff-armed a defender and brought the ball inside the 10-yard line. O'Connor crossed the goal line on consecutive quarterback runs to put White in the lead.
The Blue squad had one last chance to even the score, but the defense forced another turnover as Nic Ware recovered a fumble to close things out.
What They Said…
"I'd say that over the course of 14 practices [this spring], I think both sides improved for sure," said Carty. "But there is a long way to go in all phases. We all know that. The kids know that and the coaches know that and there is n0t a soul in here that is not going to work tirelessly and with extreme effort and intensity to get as good as we can be as a unit." – Head Coach Ryan Carty
"I think it is really easy that when you go against an offense for however many practices, you understand the route combinations and the type of plays that they like to run as an offense. As a defense, it helps you play faster and that is what Coach Rojas wants us to play – just fast, physical and aggressive. I think when you get to go against a great offense like we have and a great quarterback like Nolan, it really helps us holistically as a defense to get better." – Defensive Back Joe Zubillaga
"We got to play football today. We didn't do it well on offense, but we got to play football. Luckily, we are still 0-0 and the defense played well, so obviously we are going to be cheering for them to play the way they did. But it is just on us from here on until summer camp to just clean things up. One bad day is not going to be a microcosm of camp. We made strides throughout [spring practice], had good days, bad days. It is going to happen when you have a new offense." – Quarterback Nolan Henderson
For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareFB and Instagram @DelawareFootball, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook. Follow Ryan Carty on Twitter @RyanCarty10.
