Under the lights, under the gun

By Pete Mollica

The game is fun, but the Penguins are also expected to produce.

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State football coach Jon Heacock knows that tonight’s Red and White spring game is a fun time for his team.

But Heacock also realizes this is an important time for the squad, especially going into a season with a lot of new faces, a new offense and still a lot of question marks.

“[The spring game] is … a game and it will be under the lights with game conditions and in front of a crowd,” he said.

“We’ll get a chance to see how some of these kids react to the situation, for a lot of them it will be their first time under the gun.

“We’ll evaluate this game just like we do every other session this spring,” Heacock added. “They may be playing alongside different players than they are used to playing with, but still there will be no excuses for missed assignments or being out of position out on the field.

“We’ve got three new quarterbacks and three new centers and a host of other players who will be making their first appearance out there,” he added.

Heacock said this spring and the summer session are very important for the football team.

“This year probably more than any other year we’ve been here it is important that we continue to improve right on up until the season begins [Aug. 30 at Ohio State],” he said.

Heacock is counting on his senior leadership to carry the team through the summer when coaches are not permitted to be at individual practices.

“We feel that we have the people to do that, people who will make this team just continue to get better,” he said.

The spring game at Stambaugh Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5.

The game will be broadcast live by WKBN-AM (570).

Tickets can be purchased all day, starting at 9 a.m. All seating for the game is general admission and will be in the West stands. The gates open 90 minutes before kickoff.

The game will feature two 30-minute halves with a five-minute halftime. The final two minutes of the game will be played under normal game clock conditions. Also, all special teams will be utilized during the contest and the 40-and 25-second clocks will be in effect. The Red Team will wear red jerseys and red pants while the White Team will be dressed in white jerseys and black pants.

Parking will be available in all lots around the stadium. Handicapped parking will be the F-2 lot located. Loge holders should have their permits and will be allowed to park in the F-7 Lot.

No umbrellas, big bags, coolers or cans are permitted in the stadium.

There are two dinners at 6 p.m. at the stadium. The football alumni will meet in the DeBartolo Stadium Club while the alumni office is holding a buffet in Gym C at 6 p.m.