Local celebs aid offense

April 24, 2006 —

by Brandon Kish

Freshman running back Toby Goetz stiff arms freshman defensive back Matt McPhee in SVSU's annual Spring Game. The offense won the game 34-22.

by Brandon Kish

Steve Weissman of WNEM TV-5 catches a pass during warm ups.

by Brandon Kish

Sports anchor Steve Weissman of WNEM TV-5 is brought down by a Cardinals defender. Weissman along with Johnny Burke of WHNN 96.1 FM played several downs in the game. Both scored two touchdowns.

by Brandon Kish

Johnny Burke of WHNN 96.1 FM receives congratulations for a touchdown.

by Brandon Kish

Johnny Burke catches a touchdown scoring pass.

by Brandon Kish

Coach Randy Awrey announces Steve Weissman and Johnny Burke co-MVPs.

The SVSU offense beat the defense 34-22 in the annual Spring Game on Saturday, but the stakes were not nearly as high as in years' past.

Four touchdowns came via two local celebrities. Sports anchor Steve Weissman of WNEM TV-5 played three snaps in the first half, catching a touchdown and running for one, and Johnny Burke of WHNN 96.1 FM caught two more in the second half to put the defense away. Weissman was tackled once in the first half, but for the most part, the two participated virtually untouched.

Proceeds from the game went to the Johnny Burke Children's Foundation.

Current sophomore receiver Ric Cottengim caught a 20-yard touchdown in the final minute from current sophomore Chris Dougherty. Dougherty split time at quarterback with freshman Dustin Kestner; last year's backup, junior Vinnie Miroth, could not participate in the game due to eligibility restraints.

The defense, wearing white, jumped out to a 10-0 lead, but two consecutive Weissman touchdowns put the offense back up 14-10. The defense also took a 22-21 lead in the second half, but the offense scored two more touchdowns to win the game.

Current junior safety Jeff Mackey led the defense, intercepting a pass each from Dougherty and Kestner.

Points were given to the defense for big plays and stops. Turnovers accounted for four points each, while fourth down stops, including missed field goals, gave the defense two points. Two consecutive forced punts equaled one point.

The Cardinals begin their season at Ashland on Sept. 2 before coming home to face Gannon on Sept. 9. Of their five road games, four will begin at 7 p.m., including a Nov. 4 date at Grand Valley State. Northwood comes to SVSU for the Axe Bowl on Homecoming, Sept. 30.