WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (April 13, 2013) – The William and Mary football team concluded its spring practice season with the annual Green and Gold Game before a crowd of approximately 2,000 fans at Zable Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Players on both sides of the ball provided highlights, as the offense moved the ball well at times and converted three-of-four field goal attempts, while the defense created two turnovers and five sacks.
Offensively, junior wide receive Tre McBride totaled five receptions for 68 yards, which included a 41-yard completion from senior quarterback Michael Graham.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Steve Cluley also provided a highlight when he connected on a 15-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Robert Asmar.
Junior running back Jarrell Cooper led the rushing attack with 12 carries for 62 yards.
Defensively, five different players recorded a sack – senior defensive tackle George Beerhalter, sophomore defensive end Braxton Hicks, sophomore defensive tackle Spencer Bopp, redshirt freshman defensive end Peyton Gryder and junior cornerback Jesse McNeal III. Senior cornerback Ryan Smith added an interception, while junior safety Jordan King forced and recovered a fumble. Junior linebacker Airek Green was also in on a number of stops and registered two tackles for a loss.
Redshirt freshman placekicker Heath Saunders connected on a 47-yard field goal, while senior Drake Kuhn converted two of his three opportunities, including a 40-yard kick.
At the completion of the game, the team announced captains for the 2013 season (as derived from a team vote) with a trio of players garnering the honor – senior defensive tackle George Beerhalter, senior safety Jerome Couplin III and senior offensive lineman Matt Crisafi.
Another major team award was announced on Saturday, as Beerhalter and Couplin were selected as the recipients of the John A. Stewart Winter Warrior Award, which is given annually to the player, or players, who best exemplify the qualities of dedication, effort and achievement that defined Stewart's career at W&M. Awardees are judged on their improvements both on the field and in the off-season training program.
