Juices flow in game

The spring workouts go by quickly. The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference last year began allowing its 10 football teams to have 10 one-hour practice sessions in the spring.

Ottawa University took full advantage and ended its spring session with a one-hour offense vs. defense scrimmage Saturday at Peoples Bank Field in Ottawa.

It was a chance to see how things stack up among the returners.

For the defense, the time was spent attempting to see how to replace a few key players from last year’s squad.

The offense was hoping for continuity.

“We are older,” senior wide receiver Will Allison said. “Experience makes a big difference. We have known each other for awhile. Everybody knows the playbook.”

Junior all-conference defensive lineman Jamison Shaw said the workouts were all about focus and discipline for the defense.

“It is good to get together as a team,” he said. “We are a like a family.”

Shaw said the defense needs to fill some shoes and said the spring ball gets others a chance to show the coaches how they can fit in.

“It is good to get on the field,” he said.”

On offense, timing is the key to everything. Allison said it is good for the receivers to work with the quarterbacks.

“We need everybody to get used to the system,” he said. “In a competitive atmosphere, people play better.”

The scrimmage saw the offense come up with crisp plays for touchdowns. The defense also had its moments, stopping the offense and forcing punts.

Shaw saw a lot of competitiveness out of the players. He said defensive back Evander Williams has turned into a leader with his play.

Another big aspect of the spring drills is it gets the players out of the weight room.

Allison, who was around when the spring practices were not allowed, said the workouts are a big benefit.

The senior said it gets the players thinking football and hopes it carries over into the summer.

“The other day we had 25 to 30 guys raise their hands they would be here for the summer,” he said.  

Greg Mast can be reached at sports@ottawaherald.com.