Doane Spring Game pits offense against defense on gusty Sunday

CRETE, NE — 

In between wind howls, there were pads popping, whistles blowing and players jawing as Doane wrapped its Spring season.

"Yeah this wind today was tough," Doane Head Football Coach Chris Bessler said. "If you got the ball up in the air too much, it was going to carry. I think on the longer balls, there were definitely some affected by the wind. You have to adjust to it. It is Nebraska now."

The Tigers held their annual Spring Game on a blustery Sunday. The area was in a High Wind Advisory with gusts near 50 miles-per-hour throughout the day.

The scrimmage put Doane’s offense against its defense with a unique scoring format. The two sides were awarded points based on how they performed in certain situations, like overtime or the offense being backed up. In the end, the defense won the day 44-32.

"It was a very even competition throughout camp," Bessler said. "In fact we came down to today and it was tied. The defense happened to win today, but I think the offense did a really good job this Spring."

A healthy number of fans broke out the windbreakers to enjoy the Tiger Spring Game. They got a first look at how sophomore quarterback Cruz Kirwan has progressed through the offseason after starting the final five games last year.

"I think Cruz is progressing well," Bessler said. "He was more under control here in Spring ball which is to be expected, just a better grasp of the offense."

Kirwan is joined in the backfield by returning senior running back Frazzie Wynn. He and others, like defensive back Ryan Michael are taking advantage of their extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic.

"Just with their experience and their leadership, it's very important and very beneficial for us," Bessler said. "I like what those guys have done and obviously they wouldn't come back unless they really wanted to."

Also in attendance, dozens of recruits, many of whom are set to join  the guys on the field this fall.

"I like our recruiting class," Bessler said. "We have a good mixture. We have some bigger offensive linemen coming in and same with the defensive line. I think we have some secondary guys that have some good speed and length."

The Doane Tigers open the season at Graceland University on August 26th.