JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville University football hosted its annual Green and Gold Spring Game on Saturday, which pitted offense versus defense with a unique scoring system that allowed each side to earn points fairly. The game gave fans an opportunity to get their first look at the 2019 Dolphins.

It was Jacksonville's defense that shined throughout much of the scrimmage. As a unit, the defense recorded three sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and a pair of takeaways as they sealed the 53-31 win over the offense. The biggest scoring play came from linebacker Caysaun Wakeley, who recovered a fumble and took it 53 yards to the end zone, earning 12 points for his squad on one play.

Rising sophomore linebacker Evan Anderson came up with the other turnover, intercepting the offense in his first spring ball action. Chike Nwanze, Cedric Wilcox III, and Myles Harris all reached the quarterbacks for sacks. 

"I thought the defense got the better of it…I thought our guys were flying around on defense and were really active," said head coach Ian Shields. "I think we made some real strides on that side of the football and it was nice for our defensive guys to go validate that in the Spring Game," he said.

After allowing the defense to steal the show in the first half, the offense found their groove during the final 50 plays. Three of the four scoring drives by JU's offense came in the second half. The offense found the end zone three times on the ground and once through the air. The passing touchdown was the result of a double-pass trick play where quarterback Walker Wright slung a backward pass to wide receiver Craige Saxton, who then connected with Irvin Riley downfield for a 39-yard score.

Most of the offensive production came on the ground where they totaled 310 rushing yards on 78 carries. Rising sophomore Anthony Williams led all ball carriers with 64 yards on 12 carries to go along with a pair of touchdowns. Not far behind Williams was fellow rising sophomore Abrian Wynn, who compiled 61 yards on 12 touches. A.J. Davis also found the end zone on a 2-yard run.

"Obviously, in the Spring Game you're playing against each other, so you don't know quite what to take out of it," said Shields. "I think we've got some explosive players on offense to build upon, and a good foundation on the offensive line. With the defense I think we really made some strides. You can't win championships without playing championship defense, and that's what we had to get corrected, and I think we're well on our way."

Jacksonville's 2019 fall season begins with a trip to Richmond, Va. to take on the Spiders on Aug. 30.