BOLIVAR, Mo. -- The White (offense) unit defeated the Purple (defense) to win the 2009 SBU Purple and White spring football game on Saturday, 48-31.

The game used a modified scoring system that rewarded the offense a point for first downs, as well as normal scoring for touchdowns, PATs and field goals. The defense earned points by touchdowns, takeaways, stops, three-and-outs and fourth down stops.

"Overall, I thought the kids played really hard," said head coach Keith Allen. "Our defense did a great job of getting takeaways. The offense came out in the second half and rallied to make big plays and put points on the board. We also minimized injures this spring. The kids gave a lot better effort for the 15 practices we had. For the spring game overall, we had a good environment and atmosphere as well as fan support."

Ricky Ellis battles for yardage against Jordan Jackson

Despite injury, wide receiver Ricky Ellis played well for the White unit, making some key plays including a second half touchdown catch. Allen also praised the play of the offensive line. Defensively, Allen mentioned safety Jordan Jackson and linebacker Jarred Schumpert for their play on Purple unit. Defensive end Chris Tejeda was also playing well before suffering a third quarter leg injury.

Bearcat football also hosted their second consecutive SBU Football Golf Outing on Saturday morning at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club, an event that saw double the number of teams participating from last year. Allen was encouraged by the increased turnout, both from participants and sponsors. He hopes to increase the number of teams to 18 and generate more hole sponsors.

The busy spring weekend for the Bearcats continues Monday, April 27 with the "Gridiron Battle for Blood," a first-ever competition between local college football programs. The brainchild of SBU's Allen, SBU along with Evangel, Missouri State, Missouri Southern and Missouri S&T are holding or supporting on-campus blood drives in conjunction with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO). The teams will compete yearly for a traveling trophy based on the team with the highest percentage of participants. Evangel's drive has already with other schools' drives taking place through the first of May. SBU's drive will happen Monday (April 27) at the Plaster Athletics Complex on the SBU campus from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

SBU Bearcat football opens their 2009 regular season on August 27 at Central Missouri in Warrensburg, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

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