UMass spring football game

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - The defense held on for a 44-42 win over the defense in the annual UMass Football Spring Game at McGuirk Stadium on a sun-splashed Saturday. Cornerback Mike Lee broke up a pass intended for Jesse Julmiste to secure the win for the defenders. Points were awarded throughout the session for touchdowns, turnovers, defensive stops, long plays and various other situations.

Transfer quarterback Kellen Pagel started with the first team and was involved in three touchdowns in three different fashions. He threw for 93 yards on 5-of-9 and a 25-yard touchdown pass to Tom Gilson. He also hauled in a 25-yard reception from receiver Julian Talley for the highlight play of the day on a flea-flicker for the final touchdown of the game. Pagel opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown plunge over center.

Redshirt-freshman quarterback Brandon Hill threw for 37 yards on 3-of-6. Ian Shultis was 2-of-2 for 20 yards while Raymond Pendagast was 1-of-2 for 11 yards.

On the ground Jonathan Hernandez set up Pagel's 1-yard run with a 22-yard dash, his only run of the game. Cedric Gonnet returned to the team with seven carries for 25 yards and Alan Williams gained 14 yards on five totes.

In addition to his 25-yard pass to Pagel, Talley had three catches for 44 yards. Gilson had 49 yards on two catches including his TD catch. James Lizotte (17 yards), Chase Danska (14 yards), Thad McCummings (13 yards), Jacob Scott (11 yards), Gonnet (9 yards) and Matt Campbell (3 yards) all had one reception.

On the defense, some of the stars included Christian Birt and Ryan Carter, who each had an interception. Tom Brandt had a 1 1/2 sacks, Carlito Weaver and Stanley Andre each also had sacks.

Igor Garcia and Brendon Levengood shared the kicking duties and each made several field goals in that drill. Garcia converted 32 and 34-yard field goals for scores in the game portion.