The UTSA football team held their annual Fiesta Spring Game on Saturday, April 18. The scrimmage placed the offense, wearing white, against the defense in blue. The white team prevailed by a score of 57-42

The Spring Game used an adjusted scoring method, wherein the defense is rewarded for plays such as sacks, interceptions and defensive stops while the offense was awarded for first downs in addition to their usual scoring methods.

“Man it was good, it was just great to get out here with the guys,” said redshirt freshman quarterback Blake Bogenschutz. “I loved the scoring thing; it allowed the defense to score some points and compete with us instead of just stopping us and not getting anything for it.”

Bogenschutz was one of the standout performers of the game, going 15-of-23 for 233 yards and two touchdowns. The red shir freshman is currently in battling for the starting quarterback position, but that has not stopped him from putting the team first.

“I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to work with,” Bogenschutz said when asked about the quarterback competition. “Coach Brown (UTSA Offensive Coordinator Kevin Brown) is going to name the starter (quarterback) and we’re going to go with it and support whoever he chooses.”

The Roadrunners are currently in the midst of a large transition, with 36 seniors graduating and a new offensive scheme being implemented where the offense is focusing on maintaining a faster tempo. However, neither the departing seniors nor the old offensive scheme were missed in Saturday’s offensive explosion, as the white team compiled over 500 yards of total offense.

“It’s a new team — we graduated 36 guys,” said senior tight end David Morgan. “Last year was last year and it’s time to push on and do some new stuff. We’re ready to get on with this next season.”

Morgan is coming off of a strong season where he was second in both receiving yards and touchdowns on the team. He’s expected to be a large factor in the new offense, which yielded big plays throughout the game.

“That’s why the up-tempo is the way it is; they tire you down and shoot the deep ball,” said senior linebacker Drew Douglas. “That’s why the offense is going to be so good.”

Douglas had a productive game for the blue team, totaling three tackles and one sack. Linebacker Marcos Curry recorded seven tackles and a sack, while defensive end Romario Naples and safety Carl Austin III each had interceptions. Austin III took his pick 33 yards for the defense’s only official touchdown of the day.

Early in the fourth quarter, Bogenschutz connected with senior wide receiver Kenny Bias on a 75-yard touchdown. The play was the longest of the game for either team and was the lone touchdown for Bias.

Shortly after, sophomore quarterback Dalton Sturm threw a short pass that redshirt freshman wide receiver Greg Campbell Jr. took for 67 yards in one of the game’s surprise plays. Campbell led all receivers in yards, receptions and tied for the lead in touchdowns.

“(I am) just happy. I made it through the whole thing so I’m happy,” said Campbell with a big smile when asked about the game and his performance.

The theme of change and new improvements was clear throughout the day and Douglas summed it up best, saying, “Let’s pick up and move on. It’s a new era; young guys are coming in, stepping up and learning things fast. It’s really exciting.”

The UTSA football team will use the remainder of the off-season preparing for the season-opener against Arizona on Thursday, Sept. 3.