Aggie Football Finishes Spring Strong

Courtesy of New Mexico State Athletics

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The New Mexico State football team concluded its spring season with the annual Crimson and White game, Saturday, May 1 at Aggie Memorial Stadium with 1,200 fans in attendance.

“I thought we played good defense today,” head coach DeWayne Walker said. “We have to play solid defense in order to be a successful football team. I think the defensive unit really started to gel this spring. Offensively Coach Dunbar came in and put a solid system together and we have improved on that side of the ball. I thought Jeff Fleming and Matt Christian both had great springs. I’m looking forward to the continued development of the offense.”

The Aggie defense started strong and held the offense scoreless on the first four drives of the day with senior defensive tackle John Finau recovering a fumble, which was the first turnover of the game.

The NM State offense reached the end zone when sophomore running back Victor Johnson punched the ball in on a 1-yard run. The score was set-up with a pair of 20-plus yard receptions by senior wide receiver Marcus Allen from junior quarterback Matt Christian.

On a fourth-and-goal from the 7-yard line, the defense responded when junior defensive end Pierre Fils sacked Christian to stop the drive.

The Aggies then hit two field goals, a 21-yarder from junior kicker Jordan Davenport and a 37-yarder from redshirt freshman kicker Zach Diaz.

At the 16-yard line, NM State made its second stop on fourth down as senior linebacker Frank Padilla blocked junior fullback Ronald Opetaia with a yard to go.

The offense answered with a Diaz 34-yard field goal and then Allen grabbed a 15-yard touchdown reception from Christian. Opetaia also found the end zone with an 8-yard run. The final Aggie touchdown was an impressive 62-yard run by Johnson.

The game ended with a strong defensive play as sophomore linebacker B.J. Adolpho stepped up and secured the lone interception of the day.

The Aggies now look forward to the 2010 season opener against San Diego State, Sept. 11.