Photo credit: @SJSUSpartanFB

By: Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Spartan Nation had a lot to look forward to Saturday as the San Jose State football team hosted a long list of pre-Easter festivities at CEFCU Stadium. The list began with a helmet and jersey sale at 11:00 am, a town hall meeting and youth football camp at 12:00 pm, a family fun zone at 12:30 pm, an Easter egg hunt at 1:15 pm, a brew fest at 1:30 pm, and alas, a spring game!

SJSU head coach Brent Brennan said: “It was just a really awesome day.”

The spring game was broken down into 10 segments with two breaks.

The first segment featured the first offense versus the second defense. Running back Tyler Nevens displayed his durability in his position and was a part of the Spartans’ offensive attack. Nevens rushed for a good amount of yards.

The second segment featured the second offense versus the first defense. A notable moment was when a deep pass was thrown through the air. The lucky fans in attendance who texted “C” for a deep pass won $100 gift cards to use at the SJSU bookstore.

The third segment featured the first offense versus the second defense. The Spartans offense was fired up and scored some touchdowns and field goals.

Brennan said: “The team put it in a lot of hard work and effort. Let’s hope they’ll keep this streak up.”

After the first break, there was the fourth segment, which displayed the second offense versus the first defense.

SJSU quarterback Josh Love said: “I feel really confident after all the work I’ve put in in the offseason as it helped me get comfortable with myself.”

The fifth segment was a little different as the third offense took on the third defense. Still, it was good all-around for both teams on the field.

Brennan said: “I thought the defense was lights out. It seemed like it was a little bit hotter today, but I thought they had some big hits and put some pressure on the quarterback. They all made plays.”

The sixth segment featured the first offense versus the second defense. The offense continued to put in the work with running and rushing plays. The defense made quite a few defensive stops, which was a positive thing.

SJSU defensive coordinator Derrick Odum said: “We’re working on a lot of things in practices. We’re going to start with our install a lot further down the line than we’ve ever had in the past, so that was really good, and if we could just polish up on a few things, we’ll be fine. I was excited to see the guys buying in and doing stuff.”

After the second break, there was the seventh segment, which displayed the second offense versus the first offense.

The eighth segment featured the first offense versus the second offense. Both offenses put on an offensive show and looked fairly promising to the offensive coaches on the coaching staff.

The ninth segment featured the second offense versus the first defense. Again, both teams appeared to be locked in like they were in previous segments.

SJSU safety prospect Tre Webb said: “I just have to work on knowing everything. I got to read the playbook inside and out. I have to be better — not only for myself, but also for the people around me.”

Finally, the 10th segment showcased the third offense versus the third defense. There was a Spartans touchdown late the game, which was like the cherry on top. Chance LaChappelle made a pass to Lenard, Jr. to close out the game. The defense edged the offense 26-24.

When asked how he’d characterize the Spartans’ defense so far, SJSU safety Jonathan Lenard, Jr. responded: “It’s everything. We’re swarming. We have these things called ‘blue line” and “100-100″ where you give 100 perfect effort, 100 effort of the time.”

Lenard added: “It’s also about the physicality. We like to play physical football.”

The Spartans open the 2019 regular season against the Northern Colorado Bears at CEFCU Stadium on Thursday, August 29. Brennan hopes this will be the season where his team kicks the door down and find ways to finish their games as a team.