Eagle football team provides optimism for Fall season

The Eagle football team hosted their annual spring game, Saturday. Due to construction of the new sports complex, the game was moved from Elliott Field to the practice fields.
Attendees had the opportunity to be close to the action while standing near the sidelines. The defense won the game by a score of 40-36 because they held the offense out of the end zone on a number of occasions. However, the day belonged to running back Priest Jennings, redshirt junior of Stockton, California.
After missing a majority of the 2017 season, Jennings showcased his speed, providing Chadron State fans optimism for the coming season. Jennings scored all three of the touchdowns in the game from runs of about 15, 60 and 65 yards.
On both touchdowns, Jennings was aided by a wide-open hole paved by the offensive line and it was up to the running back to use his speed to separate himself from the entire defense.
The game featured many younger players including quarterback Tyler Hyland, redshirt freshman of Fort Collins, Colorado, to give them game-time experience.
Despite the lack of experience on the field, there was only one turnover which was an interception by Jaxon King, redshirt freshman of Fleming, Colorado. The Eagles offense did not lose a single fumble even though they battled snowy conditions.
“We have younger offensive linemen that learned a lot from the older offensive linemen, so they made great jumps this spring,” said Stevann Brown, redshirt junior of Casper, Wyoming.
Near the end of the spring game, offensive and defensive linemen had the chance to field punts and showcase their athleticism. Many players from both sides struggled to catch the ball, but Brendan Hopkins, redshirt sophomore of Green River, Wyoming, rose to the occasion at the end.
“I feel very confident heading into fall with an experienced offense and a talented defense,” Kyle Temple, redshirt senior of Norfolk, said. “With hard work this summer and good preparation and reps during Fall camp I see (the team) coming together very well,”
The spring game came to a conclusion, and students and faculty went to their job sites for The Big Event.
The Eagles will return to the gridiron this upcoming fall in their home opener against rival Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets.