The Troy Trojans completed spring practice with the annual T-Day game on Saturday morning at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

It was the first T-Day game for new head coach Chip Lindsey and the new coaching staff. The game featured a game-day like atmosphere and team grey led by quarterbacks Sawyer Smith and Gunnar Watson knocked off quarterbacks Gavin Screws and Jacob Free and Team White 26-7.

“Really excited about how we finished spring ball,” Lindsey said. “We had 15 practices and I think our team improved which is good. Today in a controlled atmosphere, I thought we really did a nice job on defense early. The offense got going as the game went, but both sides showed progress. Obviously, we aren’t anywhere near where we want to be right now, but I am really pleased with the progress.”
Smith had the honor of running the first play of the scrimmage. The incumbent starter completed 13 of his 26 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. Watson, as the other grey quarterback, found success late and completed 12-of-20 for 148 yards and a touchdown.

Free finished his outing having completed 4-of-10 for 31 yards and Screws completed five of his eight passes for 60 yards.

“It was a tough day throwing because of the wind,” Lindsey said. “Sawyer has obviously played a lot with Kaleb out and l thought Gunnar came in and did a good job too.”

Junior Tray Eafford caught a game-high six passes for 46 yards, while fellow receiver Luke Whittemore caught five passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.

“I think Eafford and Whittemore both showed flashes today of why we think they are two of our playmakers,” Lindsey said.

Team white’s Charles Strong rushed for 60 yards on six carries and had a touchdown. D.K. Billingsley had a one-yard touchdown for the grey team.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Troy defense accounted for seven sacks. John Hines, Trevon Mathis, Ahdarrious Gee, Doug Salter, Patrick Richardson and Zo Bridges.

“The defense, I know they got to play 18 or 19 guys in the first group which is good,” Lindsey said. “You have to build depth and overall I was pleased with both sides.”

Team Grey’s touchdowns came from Billingsley, Whittemore, Reggie Todd and Kade Young.

Strong picked up Team White’s only touchdown.