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University of Massachusets Athletics
Defense Edges Offense 18-17 In Massachusetts Football’s Annual Spring Game
April 29, 2023 | Football
Billy Wooden blocked a field goal to win it for the defense on the final play
AMHERST, Mass. – Massachusetts football played its annual Spring Game presented by Mass General Brigham Sports Medicine at Cooley Dickinson Hospital on Saturday afternoon at McGuirk Alumni Stadium with a last second field goal block by Billy Wooden handing the defense a 18-17 win.
Highlights | Coach Brown Presser
The game featured and offense verus defense format, with each side awarded points for specific game outcomes (i.e. an interception was worth six points for the defense).
How It Happened
The 2023 Spring Game began with the infamous "Thunderstruck" drill for the first 10 minutes of play in the first quarter, before heading into the remaining three quarters of live action.
The Defense dominated the second quarter, getting off to a quick start with a stopped drive, holding the Offense to a fourth-and-one to lead 2-0. The Offense attempted a 38-yard field goal that was no good, giving the Defense three more points to its total. Another stopped drive for the Defense at the end of the quarter on fourth-and-sixth added two more points, taking a 7-0 lead.
In the third, the Offense got on the board on a three-yard rushing touchdown from Kay'ron Adams. Cameron Carson knocked in the extra point, bringing the game to a 7-7 draw. Dorian Helm came up with an interception on second-and-two, putting the Defense back on top, 13-7.
The Offense closed the gap to three, as Carson's second attempted field goal of the day was good in the final minutes of the quarter.
With the Defense ahead 13-10, it forced the Offense to punt early in the final quarter to capture two more points. A 14-yard pass from Ahmad Haston to George Johnson III helped the Offense take a 17-15 lead, with a good extra point by Carson.
The Offense attempted a field goal from 47-yards out with two seconds left in the contest. Billy Wooden came up with a huge block to give the Defense three points and edge out the Offense, 18-17.
During the pregame broadcast, defensive lineman Marcus Bradley and offensive lineman Cole Garcia were named the 2023 2022-23 Michael Boland Inspirational Award recipients.
Season ticket packages also went on sale at the start of the Spring Game.
