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RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University football team split evenly into Maroon and White squads for the annual Spring Game Saturday evening at Roy Kidd Stadium, but both defenses stole the show in the 7-3 victory for the White team.

The lone touchdown of the game came on the White team’s opening possession. Senior running back and All-American candidate Matt Denham scored on a third-down, four-yard plunge over the right side of the line. Right before halftime, junior kicker Luke Pray chipped in with a 31-yard field goal to complete the scoring.

The White defense forced three turnovers in the two-hour scrimmage, including an interception on the Maroon’s first possession. Sophomore safety Brandon Stanley picked off a long pass attempt from senior quarterback #T.J. Pryor# near midfield to set up the White team’s touchdown.

In the second quarter, senior defensive back Cejay Ceniza made a beautiful diving interception for the White team on the far sideline at the Maroon 32-yard line. However, the Maroon defense kept the White team out of the end zone as redshirt freshman Deno Montgomery got his hands on an interception four plays later.

The White team used a reverse throw to set up another scoring chance in the third quarter. Wide receiver Seth Dotson took the ball on the reverse only to pull up and find fellow wide receiver Taylor Miller streaking wide open down the near sideline for a 38-yard completion to the Maroon 30-yard line. The White team moved to the 16-yard line before Maroon linebacker Ichiro Vance tallied an 11-yard sack to force a field goal attempt.

Ceniza put a wrap on the scrimmage with his second interception of the evening to prevent the Maroon team from scoring on its final drive.

Sophomore linebacker Tyrelle Johnson (Maroon) led all players with 10 tackles. Senior defensive end Nick Vicini (White) and redshirt freshman defensive lineman Drakkar Wilson (White) each recorded two sacks.

Junior Zavier Foster, who made the move from defensive back to running back this spring, had an impressive showing with 34 rushing yards on seven carries.

Following the game, the EKU players received their 2011 Ohio Valley Conference championship rings. The Colonels have won two OVC titles (2008, 2011) in four years under head coach Dean Hood.

EKU kicks off the 2012 schedule at Purdue on Sept. 1. Fans can reserve 2012 season tickets by contacting the EKU athletics ticket office at 859-622-2122.