MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN) – On Saturday, the Northern Michigan football team hosted its annual spring football game. This game marks the end of the Wildcats' spring practice schedule and gives the players a chance to play in a game-like atmosphere.
“What we really wanted to see was the players and their energy, players who can take on game-like situations and approach them with enthusiasm and energy,” NMU head coach Shane Richard said. Son said. “It's easy to get to the end and say, 'Oh, let's just take it easy.' It's a spring game, and it's going to be fun.” I think they really played football. It was good that there were some hard hits and both sides wanted to win. They were competitive and I thought that was really good to see. Some of the players were motivated and that's definitely what I wanted to see from them and I think they definitely did that. ”
Team White took home the bragging rights with a 10-0 win over Team Gold.
The lone touchdown came early in the first quarter when quarterback Aidan Hoard connected with receiver Sam Pifer to cap Team White's first drive.
“I think Aidan did a good job,” Richardson said. “He's been trying to work on some of the things we've challenged him to do this spring. We were hoping to see some of that from him today and he did a good job.” His composure was evident and I think there was a good feeling between the two of them on that first drive that scored a touchdown for the Sharks in the end zone. You can see it and feel it because you know you've been out there before. I think that was a really good drive for him to accomplish that.”
“Obviously, this is a spring game and we're not going to give everything we have in a spring game,” junior receiver Sam Pifer said. “We weren't able to give it our all offensively, but I think we ran well. I'm really glad we were able to come out here and play. After 14 practices, I think we Please show me all your hard work.”
It was a great opportunity for Wildcat fans to get their first look at the 2024 team.
43 new faces join the Green & Gold from this year's recruiting class, giving the team a whole new look.
“I think what we lack right now is competitive depth, to get them to come in and compete,” Richardson said. “To get them and have them push each other, they're really good players. We've signed some good kids, so to get them in the mix and have them compete against each other. I think that will be a really big help to us.”
This past year has brought a lot of change for Coach Richardson, who is in his second year as the Cats' head coach.
“One of the things we want to do here is build trust,” Richardson said. “I walked in here and thought the same thing, but this feels completely different. I feel very relaxed and it gives me confidence in the coaching staff and that things are going to go in the right direction. I can feel it. It feels a lot better today.”
The Wildcats will continue training over the next two weeks until the spring program concludes.
Coach Richardson said he is planning activities to increase team cohesion to continue building the chemistry that will go a long way in creating a winning culture.
“We keep them going in the weight room,” Richardson said. “We'll do movement drills and watch movies to keep the kids going. We'll also have some team activities that incorporate some fun stuff. It's really important during this big, hard, long spring. I think we were up early because we were going to go early in the morning and we also want to have fun. We want everyone to be together and with each other. I want to make sure I feel inspired and enthusiastic about being there, and that's how I want spring to end.”
“People are really hungry,” Pifer said. “After last year's season, everyone wants to compete and grow. What the coaches preach is just to be competitive and be tough. Everyone really buys into that mindset. I think that's what we're doing, and I think it's showing. We've all worked hard towards that.”
