Spring Break
Football: Defenses lead to low-scoring game
Only points of game scored by kicker; transfer running back Mon Williams stars
Dan Cusack/Staff Reporter
Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: Sports
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Signor scored the game's only points (three field goals), in addition to the only touchdown (an 18-yard run on a botched snap that was called back because kickers were not allowed to be rushed or tackled) in the White team's 6-3 victory against the Blue team Saturday at O'Brien Stadium.
Both teams battled a steady wind in the four-quarter scrimmage, but no one had a harder task than Signor.
He hit the game-winning 42-yard field goal with 2 minutes, 23 seconds left from the left hash into a strong wind to give the White team the 6-3 victory.
"The wind was real strong today, so I was just trying to go out there and treat it like any other kick," Signor said.
Signor finished 3-of-4 from field goals.
Defenses were the dominant unit for both sides. The Blue defense did not allow a first down in the entire first half.
The Blue defense allowed 185 yards on the day, while the White team allowed 187.
"We wanted to come out today and work really hard," said defensive tackle Andre Lima. "We came out here and wanted to have some fun, but I think both defenses played well."
Lima, a member of the White team, said they came out flat in the first half, but started making plays.
The teams combined for 13.5 tackles for a loss and one sack.
One of the biggest plays came late in the third quarter. The Blue team, on its first drive of the third quarter, saw White senior corner Shelton Penrow jump a slant route and intercept the ball at the 15-yard line, ending a potential scoring opportunity.
In the second half, it was a coming out party for Florida transfer Mon Williams. Williams, who finished the day with 86 yards, carried the White offense. Williams busted off a 41-yard scamper down the right sideline late in the fourth quarter to set up the game-winning field goal.
"I just followed my blockers," Williams said. "When I got to the second level, it was just up to me to make plays, really. The linemen blocked good, and we just all did good on that play."
Williams said at halftime, after the White team had failed to get a first down, the team talked about coming together and playing as one unit.
"It was not just the linemen, it was all of our fault," Williams said. "We all just came together and cleaned up our mistakes."
Eastern head coach Bob Spoo was happy with the team's effort and said the team has played well all spring.
"It was very competitive. They showed it today," Spoo said. "I like what we are doing on defense. The final score, 6-3, this means there are a lot of defensive plays being made."
Spoo said the team made great strives defensively during the spring.
"I think we are going to be a better defensive team than we were last fall, and that is going to be a big plus," he said.
Eastern was without first-string quarterback Bodie Reeder, who was captain of a team as he sat out with a sore hamstring.
Freshman Doug Reynolds was the quarterback for the White team and finished 11-for-25 for 108 yards, while sophomore Luke Hockaday led the Blue team going 9-for-15 for 78 yards.
"I was pleased with how our (quarterbacks) played today," Spoo said. "They went out there, responded and made some plays. They did a nice job."
Dan Cusack can be reached at 581-7944 or at dscusack@eiu.edu.
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