dgreco
May 3rd, 2009, 10:14 AM
Sophomore B.J. Aponte (New Britain, CT) rushed for 68 yards on 18 carries but it was the Bryant defense that stood tall Sunday as the Gold (Defense) defeated the Black (Offense) 39-26 at the annual Black & Gold Spring Football Game before a full house of fans on a gorgeous afternoon at Bulldog Stadium. The game concludes the spring football season for the Bulldogs who will open the 2009 season hosting Southern Connecticut State on September 5.
The Bulldogs return 10 starters back on the defensive side for sixth-year coach Marty Fine. The nucleus held opponents under 100 yards rushing per game en route to a 7-4 record last fall, Bryant's first competing in Division I.
Kevin Menawonu (Providence, RI) led the way with eight tackles while Nick Candito (West Boylston, MA) had six for the defense, which finished the scrimmage with 13 tackles for a loss and forced four fumbles.
The offense returns seven starters but will need to replace last year's starting quarterback Jay Graber. Sunday's Spring Game allowed several different quarterbacks a chance to audition for Graber's position as the signal caller. Last year's backup and top candidate to earn the roll after spring Kurt Spear (Greene, NY) played only a few series in the first quarter, completing 1 of 2 passes for six years. But junior Mike Croce (Waterbury, CT) and senior Nick Scardelli (Manalapan, NJ) looked impressive. Croce completed 6 of 12 passes for 112 yards while Scardelli had an efficient day as well, completing 9 of 16 passes for 99 yards and threw just one interception.
James Mullane (Hudson, MA) caught five passes for 109 yards including a long of 46.
Prior to the game, coach Fine introduced the four team captains as voted by the members of the 2009 team. They are: Michael Morgan (New London, CT), senior defensive end Don Smith (Attleboro, MA) and senior linebacker Paul Polomski (Franklin, MA) and Kurt Spear.
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame17.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame15.jpg
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame20.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame11.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame12.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame18.jpg
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame6.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400
The Bulldogs return 10 starters back on the defensive side for sixth-year coach Marty Fine. The nucleus held opponents under 100 yards rushing per game en route to a 7-4 record last fall, Bryant's first competing in Division I.
Kevin Menawonu (Providence, RI) led the way with eight tackles while Nick Candito (West Boylston, MA) had six for the defense, which finished the scrimmage with 13 tackles for a loss and forced four fumbles.
The offense returns seven starters but will need to replace last year's starting quarterback Jay Graber. Sunday's Spring Game allowed several different quarterbacks a chance to audition for Graber's position as the signal caller. Last year's backup and top candidate to earn the roll after spring Kurt Spear (Greene, NY) played only a few series in the first quarter, completing 1 of 2 passes for six years. But junior Mike Croce (Waterbury, CT) and senior Nick Scardelli (Manalapan, NJ) looked impressive. Croce completed 6 of 12 passes for 112 yards while Scardelli had an efficient day as well, completing 9 of 16 passes for 99 yards and threw just one interception.
James Mullane (Hudson, MA) caught five passes for 109 yards including a long of 46.
Prior to the game, coach Fine introduced the four team captains as voted by the members of the 2009 team. They are: Michael Morgan (New London, CT), senior defensive end Don Smith (Attleboro, MA) and senior linebacker Paul Polomski (Franklin, MA) and Kurt Spear.
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame17.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame15.jpg
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame20.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame11.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame12.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame18.jpg
http://bryantbulldogs.com/images/fball/Spring09/SpringGame6.jpg?max_height=267&max_width=400