Illinois State University’s football team held its first scrimmage of Spring Camp on Mar. 28 at Jay and Lori Bergman Field at Hancock Stadium. The Redbirds ran through over 100 plays, focusing on different game situations such as goalline drills, red zone scenarios, and a two-minute drill.
The event provided an opportunity for players to showcase their skills ahead of the upcoming season. Scrimmages like this are important for evaluating talent and preparing the team for competitive play.
Quarterback Gage Roy led an early scoring drive that ended with a seven-yard touchdown run by Tyler Lofton. Anthony Hall added another rushing touchdown after a nine-play, 66-yard drive. The defense also contributed when Doreon Dubose returned a fumble for an 87-yard touchdown during the red zone session. Kicker Casey Roney made a 33-yard field goal, while Hall scored his second touchdown later in the practice after a pass from Beckham Pellant set up another short run into the endzone. Chase Kwiatkowski capped off the day with a one-yard rushing score.
Passing leaders included Pellant (13-for-17, 98 yards), Roy (13-for-18, 63 yards), Cooper Kmet (8-for-12, 42 yards), and Kwiatkowski (4-for-7, 19 yards). Hall led all rushers with 104 yards on eighteen carries and two touchdowns. Receiving leaders were Mar’Quan Gary with four catches for forty-four yards and Ian Willis with four receptions totaling thirty-two yards.
Defensively, Dereon Crowe recorded nine tackles along with two tackles for loss and one sack. Jamaricus Thomas had eight tackles including one sack as well.
According to the official website, Illinois State Redbirds benefits from the Redbird Athletics Excellence Fund which supports competitiveness and recruitment efforts. The program is connected to Illinois State University according to its official website and competes in NCAA Division I events across various regions according to its official website. Student-athletes use facilities such as the OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center for preparation according to its official website. The university offers news updates, schedules, rosters and resources to support fans and bolster community engagement according to its official website. In men’s basketball action earlier this year, Illinois State posted an eight-win start in ten games according to its official website.
The next practice is scheduled for Tuesday morning as part of ongoing preparations.
