 "Photo: Trent Barnes")
 "Photo: Trent Barnes")
 "Photo: Trent Barnes")
 "Photo: Trent Barnes")
Despite losing half of its defensive starters from the 2006 season, the Texas Tech defense defeated the Tech offense 46-35 in the team's annual Red-Black Spring Game Saturday afternoon at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Tech coach Mike Leach said the overall performance of the team was acceptable, but some areas need work.
"I thought it was pretty good in spots, you know most spring games are sloppy; this one's no exception," Leach said. "The momentum kind of changed hands over and over. Defense gets the upper hand, offense marches up and down the field and scores, defense gets some turnovers and then it goes back and forth. I didn't think either sides quit. I thought both sides were sloppy at times; (there are) some things we can work on Monday."
The defense took its first lead off of sacks by defensive end Tyler Yenzer and linebacker Sandy Riley, forcing the offense to kick a field goal. Senior Alex Trlica's kick was no good.
With 9:19 left in the first quarter, the defensive players gained one point from a turnover on downs, two points from forcing a three and out, and another two points from sacks, helping them to an early 5-0 lead. By the end of the game, the defense racked up 10 sacks.
Interceptions also helped the defense as it forced five in all. Cornerbacks De'Shon Sanders, Pete Richardson and Nathan Stone were among the players to grab interceptions, including a 93-yard touchdown return by Richardson.
Sanders said he felt the secondary was a key factor in the defense's ability to win the game.
"I think the defense had a little bit of a push over (the) offense," Sanders said. "We came out and played hard - secondary had to pick it up from the last two scrimmages, especially when we've had all spring."
One of the focal points of the spring game was the play of the wide receivers, who are trying to fill the shoes left by former wideouts Joel Filani, Robert Johnson and Jarrett Hicks. Redshirt freshman Michael Crabtree and Edward Britton contributed to the Tech offense with touchdown catches in the first half. Crabtree, who finished with three receptions for 112 yards and a score, caught a 43-yard-touchdown pass, while Britton caught a 66-yard pass from quarterback Graham Harrell for a score in the first half. Tech's quarterbacks, comprising Harrell, Steven Sheffield and redshirt freshman Taylor Potts, finished a combined 36-of-60 passing for 512 yards and five touchdowns. Harrell finished 16-of-25 for 317 yards and three touchdowns, including a rushing touchdown to give the offense the lead heading into the second quarter.
Crabtree said one of his goal's in the game was to be an impact on the field.
"I was going out there trying to make plays," Crabtree said. "Every time they throw the ball - just catch it and run."
The receivers finished this game with 36 catches for 512 yards and three touchdowns. Britton's 66-yard catch was the longest touchdown pass of the game.
Kobey Lewis rushed for 28 yards and one touchdown, contributing to Tech's total 91 rushing yards. Ryan Hayes was the leading rusher with seven carries for 34 yards.
Lewis said he did his best in Saturday's game in other aspects than just carrying the football.
"I try to do the best I can do," Lewis said. "I just went out there and try to pick up all the blitz and everything."
The Tech offense maintained the lead for most of the game, but the defense, down 28-26 at the half, allowed just one touchdown in the second half en route to the victory.
Sanders said the team will continue to improve over the course of the offseason.
"We (have) volunteer workouts for two weeks," Sanders said. "Then we also have a week or two weeks (off), then we're back in summer workouts and getting ready for the fall."
Sanders said the secondary needs to keep working on forcing turnovers.
"I can speak for the corners, just keep working hard, don't (ever) let up," he said. "I see at the end (of the game) our offense let us down a little bit. (We need to) just keep working hard, keep their heads up."
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