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Apr. 13—BROOKINGS — A crowd of about 1,000-plus showed up to the SJAC on Saturday for the South Dakota State football Spring Game, hoping to get a sneak peek at what the two-time defending national champions might look like as they go for the three-peat.
The game started with the defense spotted a 17-0 lead, creating a format where the offense had a set number of points they needed to get to for the win. They got it, winning 21-17.
But the final score is never the point in a spring game. It’s mostly a chance for younger players or those competing for open jobs to show what they can do in a game situation, and in that regard, the Jackrabbits had a good day. Yes, there are holes to fill after a stellar graduating class moved on. The pieces are definitely in place to do so.
“It was a great spring overall,” said quarterback Mark Gronowski, who played one series on Saturday and directed a touchdown drive. “We had lots of young guys that had to get acclimated. They don’t have a ton of reps but we got those guys going and started getting connections with me.”
That would be a reference to the offensive skill players, who are almost entirely new. Running back Isaiah Davis, tight end Zach Heins and receivers Jaxon and Jadon Janke are all moved on.
Amar Johnson is likely to be the No. 1 back next year, while Angel Johnson and Brendan Begeman, battling for carries behind him, both scored rushing touchdowns on Saturday. Begeman’s was a 70-yarder (on an 80-yard field), putting an exclamation point on a strong spring for the Selby native.
Griffin Wilde had a 35-yard reception from Chase Mason, while Kentrell Prejean had five catches for 95 yards and tight end Davin Stoffel four receptions for 29 yards. Prejean had a 25-yard catch, 34-yard catch and 1-yard touchdown reception all on the same drive, while Mason completed 7-of-8…
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Author : The Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
Publish date : 2024-04-13 23:46:00
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