Valparaiso University’s football program held its annual spring game on Saturday afternoon at Brown Field, drawing alumni, graduating seniors, and incoming freshmen to witness the next chapter in the team’s journey. The event marked the conclusion of the first spring under head coach Andy Waddle and featured a close contest between the “Brown” and “White” teams, with the White team securing a 9-7 win.
The game began with both teams exchanging punts on their opening drives. Junior Max Samuel (Edina, Minn.) made the first big play of the day, sacking the Brown quarterback in the end zone for a safety, giving the White team a 2-0 lead. The teams continued to battle, with the score remaining 2-0 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the White team capitalized on a defensive takeaway. Redshirt sophomore Nic Lendino (Naperville, Ill.) intercepted a pass, setting up White at the Brown 39-yard line. Despite a holding penalty, the White offense responded when sophomore quarterback Caron Tyler (Temecula, Calif.) connected with redshirt sophomore Micah Mackay (Zionsville, Ind.) for a 25-yard touchdown. Redshirt sophomore kicker Liam Shepherd (Valparaiso, Ind.) added the extra point, giving White a 9-0 lead.
Brown responded with a strong offensive drive, with redshirt freshman Ryan Ricketti (Rocky River, Ohio) catching a 19-yard pass from redshirt junior quarterback Rowan Keefe (Park Ridge, Ill.). After a penalty, Amir Simmons (Baltimore, Md.) rushed for another first down to put Brown in White territory. However, the White defense, led by redshirt freshmen Nick Johnsen (Highland, Ind.) and Shawn Fester (Stevens, Pa.), sacked Keefe on back-to-back plays, stalling the drive and forcing a missed field goal.
The Brown defense held firm, and on their next drive, Keefe connected with redshirt freshman Jacob Diver (Bradenton, Fla.) for a 15-yard touchdown. Luke Scoma (Bellevue, Wash.) added the extra point to make it 9-7, the score at halftime.
In the second half, Brown’s redshirt freshman Noah Long (Liberty Hill, Texas) had a big run that brought the team into the red zone, but a missed field goal kept the score unchanged. The White team’s defense held strong, and redshirt sophomore Marty O’Keeffe (Orland Park, Ill.) made a key reception from Tyler to move White to the Brown 31-yard line. However, the Brown defense forced a turnover on downs.
Late in the game, White redshirt freshman Wyatt Little (Fort Wayne, Ind.) intercepted a pass at the White 36-yard line, preserving the two-point victory for the White team.
The 2025 season will officially begin on Saturday, August 30, when Valpo hosts Virginia Lynchburg at Brown Field.
Related topics:
