Led by quarterback Graham Nichols' two touchdown passes, the White beat the Blue 21-20 on Saturday in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga spring football game.
An announced crowd of 2,486 attended the Blue & Gold Game at Finley Stadium, more than double the number that showed up last spring. The crowd was treated to plenty of first-half fireworks as the two sides combined for six touchdowns.
The Blue squad was comprised of the first-team offense and second-team defense, while the White was the second offense and first defense. Nichols, the Mocs' backup to B.J. Coleman, completed his first six passes and finished 16-for-25 for 282 yards and two touchdowns. It would have been three TDs, but his screen pass to Brian Sutherland for a touchdown was ruled a lateral.
Coleman had a pass picked off in the end zone on the Blue side's first drive, but had a solid game overall. He was 17-for-31 passing for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
Both Sutherland and Joel Bradford had 65-yard touchdown catches, on consecutive plays.
Nichols was named the offensive MVP and Blue squad linebacker Ryan Consiglio, who had seven tackles and recovered a fumble, was the defensive MVP. Next season's captains were announced after the game and the players selected Coleman, left tackle Chris Harr and cornerback Buster Skrine.
For more, see Sunday's Times Free Press.