Rutgers Showcases Future in Spring Contest

The annual Rutgers Scarlet-White Spring Game took place on Saturday at SHI Stadium in Piscataway. The game itself wound up in a tie 24-24 before Tommy Marcketta – a 16-year-old Children's Specialized Hospital patient, autism advocate, and SONJ athlete – scored a touchdown for the Scarlet team on the RWJ Barnabas Health Final Play of the Game.

There was excitement in the air. The fans came out in droves to watch the future of Scarlet Knights football, a future that figures to be very promising for a program that won its first bowl game in a decade when it beat Miami (FL) 31-24 at Yankee Stadium last December. Just sitting outside Gate C to broadcast our Fox on the Road pregame show, the enthusiasm was rich. We fed off of it as our Sports Director Michael Cohen and I were busy livening up the crowd as they came by our table.

The day was full of fun for all to attend. There was a Ferris wheel and water games in the South end zone. A number of Rutgers alumni were on hand to sign autographs, and even Max Melton -- who was drafted on Friday by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL Draft was on hand to see the good folks of Rutgers and New Jersey.

As for the scrimmage, it was competitive, especially at the quarterback position. Returning starter Gavin Winsett and former Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis lit up the scoreboard. Wimsatt showed off his usual display of arm talent and mobility. He completed eight passes for 76 yards and a touchdown and even ran for 64 yards with two scores.

As for Kaliakmanis, man, did he show off a big-time arm? He was officially finishing the day 10-of-17 for 147 yards and two scores, including a 42-yard bomb to Naseim Brantley.

The best play of the day came on the last play when Special Olympic athletes from New Jersey, went onto the field, and it was a run to the end zone by them to seal the deal for the scarlet team and then seeing all the football players running toward them to embrace them.

We'll see how it all comes together come the summer when training camp begins. Soon the season will kick-off on August 31 against the Howard Bison. Wow, that's only a little over four months away. It's going to be a wild year this year for Rutgers for sure with the revamped Big Ten schedule. We look forward to bringing you more Rutgers coverage throughout the season right here on your home for Rutgers sports, Fox Sports Radio New Jersey!

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