Photographer: Bobby Mizia/Pitt Athletics
PITTSBURGH – Led by wide receiver Quadree Henderson, Team Dorsett defeated Team Cavanaugh 19-17 in the Blue-Gold Spring Game on Saturday at Heinz Field.
Henderson did his damage on the ground with four carries for 107 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown in the second quarter which helped give Blue a 12-3 halftime lead.
Gold quarterback Nathan Peterman was 11-of-22 for 186 yards and two touchdowns. His top target was Jester Weah who had three catches for 102 yards. Blue quarterback Manny Stocker finished 12-of-21 for 166 yards and an interception (by Dane Jackson).
Elijah Zeise, who was moved from wide receiver to linebacker this spring, had a team-high eight tackles for Gold, while reigning ACC Player of the YearJordan Whitehead had seven stops, including a sack. Reggie Mitchell led Blue with five tackles.
Gold got on the board first with a 40-yard field goal from Chris Blewitt, but Blue scored the next 12 points for its 12-3 halftime lead.
Henderson took a reverse pitch 64 yards for the only touchdown of the first half, and Blue also added a safety and a field goal for their halftime lead.
Gold climbed back into the game on a 13-yard strike from Peterman to tight end Scott Orndoff early in the second half to make the score 12-10.
Reigning ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year Qadree Ollison gave Blue a 19-10 lead early in the fourth quarter on a 2-yard score, but Peterman found Rafael Araujo-Lopes in the corner of the end zone with less than five minutes remaining to bring Gold back within two at 19-17.
Blue though, ate up 4:42 on its next drive and pinned Gold down at the 15 yard line with only 10 seconds remaining to hold on for the victory.
Note: Weah and defensive tackle Shakir Soto were presented with the 2016 Ed Conway Award at the team breakfast this morning, which is annually given to the most improved offensive and defensive player during spring practice.
