Offense Captures 71-55 Spring Game Victory over the Defense

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Modified scoring system matched the offense vs. the defense

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – The Boston College football team closed out its 15^th and final spring practice with the annual Jay McGillis Memorial Spring Game Saturday afternoon inside a sun-drenched Alumni Stadium.

Using a modified scoring system that awarded points for first downs, rushes of 10+ yards, passes of 15+ yards, touchdowns along with defensive scoring for any stop per possession, three and out stops, sacks, tackle for loss or turnovers, the Maroon team (offense) came away with a 71-55 victory over the White team (defense).

Junior running back AJ Dillon was one of a handful of starters who did not play or saw limited playing time as the younger players on the roster were able to get increased repetitions during the final spring practice of the year.

Offensively, redshirt freshman quarterback Matt Valecce turned in one of his best performances of the spring finishing 9-of-11 passing for 78 yards. On the ground, redshirt freshman running back Javian Dayne finished with 21 rushes for 102 yards while sophomore David Bailey carried the ball 12 times for 91 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Bailey lost 10 pounds in the off-season and showed a tremendous burst and improved speed and agility this spring for the Eagles.

On defense, redshirt freshman defensive end Joey Luchetti finished with three sacks while senior defensive back Mehdi El Attrach and redshirt freshman defensive tackle Jaleel Berry each tallied one sack.

Redshirt sophomore cornerback Tate Haynes capped off an impressive spring with a 44-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Redshirt senior safety Nolan Borgersen also continued his big-play spring with a 40-yard fumble return for a touchdown while redshirt junior safety Mike Palmer recorded a 36-yard interception return in the third quarter.

Prior to the game, senior defensive back Mehdi El Attrach was named the recipient of the Jay McGillis Memorial Scholarship. McGillis’ family was on hand before the game to present El Attrach with the award.

The award is given annually since 1993 to a Boston College defensive back who best exemplifies the personal qualities of team dedication and leadership by example, an extraordinary competitive spirit, and personal concern for family friends and teammates. McGillis, a starting defensive back for Boston College, passed away from Leukemia in 1992. The Eagles’ spring game is played in his honor each year.

Final Score

White (defense) 55

Maroon (offense) 71