The Mesa State College football team held it’s annual spring football game at Bergman Field Saturday.
The game format was different from an average football game. There were no kickoffs, possession started on the 20 yard line, and special teams were only used a few times to practice punts. The “game” gave the coaching staff a chance to see how well the team would adjust to a new offensive system. This new system, a spread-option, looked to have lent itself well to the Mavericks’ surplus of offensive weapons.
“It’s new and it’s fast,” coach Joe Ramunno said. “There is a new energy and everyone is competing.”
Five different quarterbacks ran the offense during the spring game. Each quarterback looked to impress the coaches. The coach may have an idea who will be the starter in the fall.
“We’re gonna name one. When you look at it, Robert Felberg was running kind of at the top of the pack,” Ramunno said.
Felberg showed his athleticism and toughness when he eluded would-be tacklers and hit his receivers with short, accurate passes.
There were other quarterbacks that looked impressive at times. Chris Henderson took some snaps under the center. His athleticism was evident. Henderson wore number seven and ran around defender like another number seven, Michael Vick. One moment of brilliance happened when Henderson eluded a few defenders and ran down the sideline for a 30 yard gain.
“He stepped up today and did some good things. We have been waiting for Chris to do that. He is a very talented player,” Ramunno said.
The defense for the Mavs was strong, and only gave up three touchdowns. The defense swarmed to the ball and limited the offense in the red zone, having stopped them early in the game.
“Our strength is going to be with the linebackers, but all 11 need to play together as a unit and rally to the football,” Ramunno said.
The Mavs’ season starts September 1 at Stocker stadium against Humboldt State University.

jdthomas@mesastate.edu