Spring Break
Defense dominates as Red team stops Black 13-3 (w/stats)
FLETCHER PAGE
Issue date: 4/10/09 Section: Sports
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The Red team, comprised of the first team offense and second team defense, won 13-3 over the Black squad, the first team defense and second offensive unit.
Each offense struggled, combining for three fumbles, one interception and numerous dropped passes.
"I think the defense took this game very seriously and was excited about establishing that edge, or continuing what they've established this spring," said Georgia coach Mark Richt. "I saw a lot of good clean tackling and not many mistakes on the perimeter."
Red team kicker Andrew Jensen's 48-yard field goal broke a 3-3 tie with 2:13 remaining, with the Thomas score punctuating the Red team's victory in front of a crowd of 42,458 and a national ESPN audience.
Joe Cox completed 9 of 16 passes for 105 yards in his first public appearance as Georgia's starting quarterback. On the opening play of the game, the Red team surprised with a flea flicker, as Cox connected with sophomore wide receiver A.J. Green for a 35-yard gain.
Logan Gray went 9-13 for 91 yards for the Black team.
Heralded freshmen Aaron Murray, 3-5 for 62 yards, and Zach Mettenberger, 0-3 with an interception, got their first taste of live action in front of the Bulldogs Nation.
"I was extremely nervous out there with the big crowd in Sanford," Murray said. "It was a lot of fun, I just wanted to be out there and get as many snaps as I could. From Day 1 to now, Zach and I are two different quarterbacks from where we were."
Thomas led the Red team with 59 yards on eight carries, as Caleb King rushed seven times for 32 yards. Fullback Shaun Chapas totaled 25 yards on three carries.
Walk-on Kalvin Daniels led the Black team with 21 yards on three carries.
"I thought they ran well for what they had to work with," Richt said. "Carlton averaged 7.4 [per rush], Caleb averaged 3.1, and Chapas ended up averaging 8.3. The sacks are what really hurt the rushing totals. And again in a game you don't play 60 minutes it's going to be less, and there are going to be less points too."
Tight ends enjoyed a successful day receiving with Aron White catching three for 50 yards, and Derek Rich two for 44. Redshirt freshman Bryce Ros added one catch.
"It's good to see the tight end utilized in the offense," White said. "Georgia has been known as an offense that uses the tight end in the past, and I think its good we got out there and showed we could make plays."
Safety Baccari Rambo and linebacker Nick Williams each had five tackles for the Red team. Linebacker Marcus Washington totaled three sacks.
Redshirt freshman Christian Robinson paced the Black team with five tackles, with defensive end totaling three sacks.
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