Spring Game begins football season
The Liberty Flames football team will be giving fans a sneak peek at next season’s team on Saturday, April 21. In addition to the many new players, Turner Gill will make his debut on the sideline as head coach of the Flames.
Off the blocks — The Liberty Flames look to showcase their abilities for the first time in public. Photo credit: Ruth Bibby
The game will give Gill and his staff a chance to assess players in a different environment than the usual practice.
“We’re still going to treat this as an evaluation for us. It’s a practice. It’s a game-like environment for us, so we’ll get a chance to see guys, how they play in front of fans, so that’s going to be good for us to have that opportunity,” Gill said.
For the players and coaching staff, the spring game is the culmination of 13 spring practices, including three scrimmages closed to the public.
“I see our guys coming together, they want to get better. They’re coming in, meeting with our coaches and wanting to learn and wanting to know what’s going on to get themselves better,” Gill said.
For fans looking to attend the game, gates will open at noon. Kickoff is expected at about one o’ clock. The game will follow a unique format, with two halves each timed differently.
The first half will consist of two 12 minute periods, while the second half will be a simple 25- minute running clock. Besides the game clock, the game will be run just like a regular game, the only exception being that there will be no kickoffs or punts. Should either team encounter a fourth down situation, the ball will simply be moved 40 yards down the field to imitate a punt.
The first team offense and defense will wear red uniforms and the second team offense and defense will wear white.
Half time will feature a tribute to last year’s senior class of players. All seniors present will receive a framed jersey. In addition to the sendoff for the senior class, the coaching staff will present two awards: the Samkon Gado Award for most improved player of the spring and the Luke 2:52 award, also known as the Whole Person Development Award.
“Our fans, we hope they all come out and get a chance to see their football team getting ready for the 2012 season,” Gill said.
2012 Football
Sept. 1 at Wake Forest
Sept. 8 vs. Norfolk St.
Sept. 15 at Montana
Sept. 22 vs. Lehigh
Oct. 6 vs.
Gardner-Webb
Oct. 13 at
Presbyterian
Oct. 20 vs. Concord
Oct. 27 at
Costal Carolina
Nov. 3 vs.
Charleston Southern
Nov. 10 vs.
Stony Brook
Nov. 17 at VMI