NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt wrapped up spring practice Saturday with the Black and Gold Spring Game at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse and Soccer Complex where the Black Team (defense) topped White Team (offense) in a 37-30 decision highlighted by a pick-six by De’Rickey Wright.
The offensive team earned points normally, while the defense could score for plays ranging from turnovers to forcing a three-and-out and a red zone stop, among others.
The Commodores scrimmaged for four quarters as the defense led from the first series. The defense forced the offense, led by quarterback AJ Swann, into a three-and-out to get on the board.
Drew Dickey took over the offense in the third series and was sacked by CJ Taylor for a loss of six, marking the first sack for the defense. Sedrick Taylor got the offense on the board with a 15-yard rush into the endzone. Will Faris connected for a 29-yard field goal at the end of the first, with the defense leading 14-10.
The defense opened the second quarter by forcing back-to-back punts to extend their lead. In the next series, Walter Taylor found Wilson Long for a 50-yard touchdown followed by an extra point from Jacob Lurie to bring the offensive deficit to 23-17 heading into the half.
Swann opened the second half by finding Richie Hoskins for a 17-yard touchdown to bring the White Team within one, 24-23. The defense closed out the third quarter with Wright intercepting a Dickey attempt and returning it for a 60-yard touchdown to extend their lead 34-23.
The White Team closed out the game with a flea flicker for a 33-yard touchdown from Cole Spencer.
Scoring Plays (drive information):
-Sedrick Alexander 15-yard run (7 plays, 65 yards)
-Will Faris 29-yard field goal (7 plays, 64 yards)
-Richie Hoskins 17-yard pass from AJ Swann (8 plays, 75 yards)
-De’Rickey Wright 60-yard interception return
-Guajardo 29-yard field goal (5 plays, 53 yards)
Key Statistics:
-Passing: AJ Swann 9-of-16, 115 yds, 1 TD; Walter Taylor 4-of-9, 74 yds, 1 TD; Ken Seals 8-19, 70 yds, 1 TD
-Rushing: Chase Gillespie 15-93; Sedrick Alexander 7-56, 1 TD
-Receiving: Quincy Skinner Jr. 2-63; Wilson Long 3-58, 1 TD; Cole Spence 3-53; Daveon Walker 3-33; Richie Hoskins 5-27, 1 TD
-Defense: CJ Taylor 4-2—6 TT, 1½ TFL, 1 sack; Ethan Crisp 4-2—6 TT; Savion Riley 3-3—6 TT, 1 PBU; Bryce Cowan 1-5—6 TT, 2 PBUs; De’Rickey Wright 3-2—5 TT, ½ TFL, 1 INT; Jaylen Mahoney 3-2—5 TT; Nate Clifton 2-3—5 TT, ½ TFL
-Special teams: Will Faris 1-3 FG, 29 long; Matthew Hayball 9-45.8 avg punting, 2 I20