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To the tune of 28,000 piled into Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium to watch the University of Louisville’s annual spring game.
The scrimmage, which concluded the end of spring drills. The first team offense went up against the first a defense and the second team squads faced each other likewise.
The offense had the same scoring system as traditional football. The defensive received two points for a defensive stand, with an additional point for a three and out. They could also receive six points for forcing a turnover and seven points for scoring a touchdown.
New head coach Steve Kragthorpe felt it important to have players of similar caliber competing on the field.
“I don’t believe in playing ones against the twos,” Kragthorpe said. “I don’t think anybody gets better if they don’t challenge themselves. We could create a situation where one team looks dramatically better than the other.”
The Cardinal offense did the majority of its damage through the air, passing for 523 yards. Senior quarterback Brian Brohm threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, while junior Hunter Cantwell threw for 210 yards.
Senior Harry Douglas led the receivers with 137 yards on eight catches.
Sophomore Scott Long also did some damage in the secondary, catching four passes for 120 yards. Junior Mario Urrutia caught two touchdowns from Brohm and senior tight end Gary Barnidge caught the other on the first drive of the game.
With the exception of a 56-yard run by sophomore Jajuan Spillman, the Cardinal defense held the offense to 89 yards on the ground. The Cardinal defense was led by junior Mozell Axson, a second team linebacker, who had seven solo tackles and nine tackles overall.
The secondary brought in four interceptions, with the last one being the game winner. Sophomore safety Latarius Thomas, senior cornerback Rod Council and senior safety Jon Russell all had interceptions in regulation.
The next time fans can see the Cardinals in action will be the season opener against Murray State Aug. 30.
