Huge Crowd Watches Maroons Down Whites, 28-22
Apr 12, 2003 | Football
April 12, 2003
Jason Carter (Caldwell, Texas/High) compiled 181 all-purpose yards to lead the Maroon team over the White, 28-22, Saturday at Kyle Field in front of a spring game record crowd 41,072.
Carter, who recently switched to the new "A" position on offense, rushed for 20 yards on five carries and a touchdown. He also caught three passes for 32 yards. Then, as a return specialist, Carter returned five punts for 55 yards and carried two kickoff returns for a total of 74 yards.
"This [switch] has been a plus for Jason," A&M coach Dennis Franchione said. "When we talked to Jason about the move, it wasn't Jason you have to do this. It was Jason this what we think you ought to look at, how do you feel. The bottom line is Jason Carter is an unselfish person that wants to make an impact on this team."
Franchione said fans got to see a lot of positive things from the team in a game-like setting.
"There were a lot of positives on the day in a lot of ways," Franchione said. "Especially the fact that we got out of here without any injuries. I thought the teams looked pretty even going into the game and played that way today. I thought you got a good look and some our guys in game situations."
Under the direction of coach Carl Torbush, the Aggies' defensive coordinator, the Maroon team balanced its attack from the air and on the ground.
Quarterback Reggie McNeal (Lufkin, Texas/High) completed 8-of-13 passes for 115 yards and a pair of touchdowns. McNeal twice connected with receiver Tim Van Zant (Victoria, Texas/High) for scores. Van Zant scored touchdowns on receptions of 33 yards and 11 yards.
Van Zant put the Maroon team on the board first with his 33-yard touchdown reception at the 7:52 mark in the fist.
The White team, coached by offensive coordinator Les Koenning, Jr., answered on the next possession with a 30-yard field goal by David Brelsford with 4:51 to play in the first.
After a Maroon team punt, the White team added to the score and took its only lead of the game. Running back Courtney Lewis (Houston, Texas/ Madison) broke free on a 29-yard run for a touchdown with 1:58 to play in the first. Following the point after, the White led 9-7.
Lewis finished the day with a game-high 102 yards on 12 carries.
In the second quarter, the Maroon team scored two touchdowns via runs by Derek Farmer of 1 yard, and by Carter of 5 yards.
The Maroon took a 21-9 lead into the locker room at halftime.
In the second half, the White team outscored the Maroon team 13-7.
White team quarterback Dustin Long (Port Neches, Texas/PNG) carried the ball on a 1-yard touchdown as time expired in the third quarter to pull the White within six points, 21-15. A two-point conversion attempt failed.
The Maroon team answered in the fourth as McNeal connected with Van Zant for a 33-yard score.
In the final minute of the game, the White team added a score as Long found Jamaar Taylor (Mission, Texas/High) for a 4-yard touchdown.
Long finished the day with a game-high 147 yards passing on 12-of-26.
The Maroon team earned the right to a barbecue dinner while the White team will eat beans. The squads will take part in the feast as part of a tailgate party prior to the A&M baseball game on Tuesday at Olsen Field.
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