FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April. 17, 2008

Lions conclude spring practice with annual Green and Gold Game

Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern football team will conclude its spring season with the annual Green and Gold game this Saturday on April 18 at 11:30 am in Hughes Stadium. Fans are invited to bring their own chairs and line the track to get an up close look at the game. The team will be on the field at 11 am with game action beginning at approximately 11:30 am.

This year's version of the annual spring game will feature the Southern offense vs. the defense. No points will be awarded, and there will not be a running clock. The Lions will run a set number of plays throughout the final spring practice of 2009.

Southern returns 21 starters on both sides of the ball from a season ago and fullback Anthon Aiono, a starter from 2007, returns after missing last season with a knee injury. Both of last year's starting tight ends, Korie Henry and Scott Clipp return this year as does Toderick Hunt in the back field. Wide receivers Mark Henderson, Isaac Norman and Johnny Johnson return as does offensive linemen Chris Norris, Ian Saxton and Justin Williams.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions return 11 players that either started every game, or a good portion of the contests. Justin Cowper, Terrance Scott, Corderial Collier, Josh Woodard and Skyler Vandiver return for the Lions in the defensive backfield. Jared Brawner and Dusty Bratzler return as linebackers and Jairius Jarvis, David Benham, Nick Teer and Brandon Williams return to anchor the defensive line.

The Lions signed 43 incoming freshman to play for next year's squad and return a talented crop of redshirt freshman that have a year of practice experience under their belts.

Southern starts the 2009 season at Harding University on Saturday, August 29. They have an off week to follow and open up MIAA play at Washburn on Saturday, September 12. The home opener for the Lions will be on Saturday, September 19 when the Lions play host to Emporia State at 6 pm. To see the 2009 Lions football schedule, click here: 2009 Lions Football Schedule.