Flashes Play Final Tune-Up Scrimmage Before Friday's Spring Game
4/24/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
KENT, Ohio - With its official spring game less than a week away, Kent State had its final intra-squad tune-up Saturday morning under a light drizzle at Dix Stadium.
Throughout the course of the morning, the Golden Flash defense forced six turnovers, including a 59-yard interception return by Josh Pleasant during a two-minute drill. Linebacker Jake Dooley and defensive back Garrick Piggott each forced and recovered fumbles.
"Our first team offense only had one turnover all day and that's what we need out of them," Head Coach Doug Martin said. "What's lacking the most right now is our backups on offense. We particularly need someone to step up and take the backup quarterback job."
The biggest play on the offensive end came from running back Dri Archer, who slipped past a pair of tacklers near the line of scrimmage and bolted 65 yards down the field for a touchdown. Archer finished with 86 yards on 11 carries.
"We've got a lot of depth at running back," Martin said. "Our top three backs are among the best in the conference."
Despite not breaking any runs of longer than eight yards, Eugene Jarvis began to look like his old self, bouncing left and right and breaking a number of tackles near the line of scrimmage.
"Eugene did his usual thing today making people miss and making plays," Martin said. "He's had a great spring."
The most impressive aspect of the day may have been KSU's kicking game. Placekicker Freddy Cortez went 4-for-4 on field goal attempts including a 43-yarder into the wind. Punter Matt Rinehart averaged 48.6 yards on five punts, including a long of 60 yards.
"Freddy Cortez and Matt Rinehart are doing a great job right now," Martin said.
Defensively, safety Brian Lainhart led all players with seven tackles and added a sack. Ishmaa'ily Kitchen tallied a pair of sacks and three tackles. Piggott and Dooley also had three stops each.
"Our linebackers have been solid," Martin noted of the defense. "And Brian Lainhart continues to make big plays."
Through the air, quarterback Spencer Keith completed 14-of-24 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Tyshon Goode and Jon Simpson were on the receiving end of Keith's TD tosses.
"Spencer is a different type of player now because of the experience he got last year," Martin said. "And he's one of the best quarterbacks in this conference now."
Goode led all receivers with four catches for 58 yards. He was one of 14 players to catch a pass on Saturday.
The Kent State Spring Game will take place Friday night, April 30 at Dix Stadium. KSU alums in the NFL will be available to meet fans at 6 p.m., while the game kicks off at 7 p.m.
