Charleston, W.Va. - The annual Maroon-Gold Spring Game was played last night at UC Stadium where Coach Kirkland got an encouraging performance from the Charleston Offense en rounte to a 45-14 over the Golden Eagle D.

The UC Football staff put together a scoring system that awarded your traditional points for offensive scores and included gaining a point for first downs, while the defense scored points for turnovers, defensive stops and defensive scores.  The Charleston D would strike first on the scoreboard with an early interception of John Knox by linebacker Matt Kelly.  Last year's No. 2 total defense was out to prove to their own teammates why opponents found it so hard to score on them during the 2012 season.

However, this would be the night for the Golden Eagle Offense.  With senior quarterback Maurice Leak sidelined with injury, UC's offense would be commanded by John Knox for the first team, while Brett Benes and Jermaine Kelly sat under center for the second string.  The offense was nearly unstoppable in the four 10 minute quarters of action, scoring on a gashing run by Kevin Myers early on followed by TD passes from Knox and Kelly.

There were quite a few Golden Eagle regulars not in pads Thursday night, as Kirkland said "I've never had a spring game with so many guys banged up" but later said "We came out and competed.  I'm really excited about some of the new guys.  I'm encouraged."  Kirkland would limit touches for UC running backs C.J. Stallworth and Northern Illinois transfer Leighton Settle, keeping them injury free heading into the off-season.

As Kirkland gather the troops for the final breakdown of spring camp he addressed his team saying "Defense, give the offense a round of applause."  A well-deserved statement and hopefully a confindence builder for the offensive side of the ball going into the summer.