The Illinois State football team wore shells and worked through a light 18-period practice Friday at Hancock Stadium as a final tune-up for the Annual Red-White Football Game.
Head coach Denver Johnson wants to finish spring camp on a high note.
I want our guys to come out (Saturday) and have some fun and wrap this thing up in a competitive atmosphere, Johnson said. I want to see us come out and enjoy the day. Enjoy what it is and get after each other. Hopefully, well get out of it without getting anybody hurt and finish up what I think has been a good spring practice.
The annual scrimmage is free and open to the public. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. The game will only be scored during the first half, which will consist of a 45-minute running clock. The scrimmage will continue for a second half, but with a number of the Redbird starters will sit out the second frame the scoring will end.
The scoring system will be the same as lasts year Red-White Game, with scoring opportunities for both the offense and defense. The offense will be scored traditionally for touchdowns (six points), field goals (three points) and PATs (one or two points). The Redbird offense can also score one point for each first down and two tallies for a gain of 25 yards or more.
For every turnover the defense forces the White team will be credited with six points, plus an additional seven if returned for a touchdown. The defense will also be scored for quarterback sacks (two points) and tackles for loss (one point). If the White team holds the offense to a three and out, the defense will get three points, while stopping an offensive drive without allowing a score is one point.
Prior to the scrimmage, there will be a tailgate in the Ropp Parking Lot, North of Hancock Stadium, beginning at 1 p.m. Admission to the tailgate is free with the purchase of a Redbird Raffle tickets. Raffle tickets are $5 each, or a book of six for $25 and are available at the door.
