BOLIVAR, Mo. -- It's a pairing SBU fans will likely hear a lot during the upcoming season. Steve Gachette to Charles Johnson. The two connected several times Saturday, helping the White (offensive side) to a 34-22 victory in the annual Purple and White spring game. Johnson had the play of the day, with an acrobatic catch on a 50-plus yard strike from Gachette. The junior receiver also caught a touchdown later in the contest.

Sophomore running back Justin Duhaney also scored two touchdowns for the White side. Senior Jameson Manuma, who moved over to the defense, had a solid day at linebacker after playing tight end/receiver last season. Caleb Scott recorded an interception while Tyler Grapp and Larry White picked up sacks for the Purple defense. The Bearcat squads were able to play through most of the first three quarters before the rains returned, which turned the conditions and play somewhat sloppy.

Head coach Keith Allen gave his impression of the day's events, as well as the spring practice season. "Overall I was pleased with our spring practices. Our players worked hard to improve every day and that showed up in the spring game today. Despite the rain, we had another great turnout for our golf tournament this morning and also for our spring game this afternoon. Really, minus today, the weather for our practices has been great."

"There is lot of excitement and energy going into the 2010 season," Allen continued. "Steve Gachette really stepped up this spring, with his reads, completion percentage and minimizing interceptions. Our running back trio all showed great things --- with them and our offensive line, there's a lot to be excited about with our running game. CJ (Charles Johnson) and Sean Kelley had great springs for the wide receiver corps and a lot of the younger guys greatly improved. Our offensive line, even with injuries and lacking depth, did a good job this spring."

"Defensively, I thought our overall team swarm and speed improved over the spring. On the line, Tyler Grapp and Ino Vitale really stood out. Jameson Manuma had a great spring at the linebacker spot and Austin Otwell really stepped up at the strong safety position. Our young secondary matured over the spring into a very cohesive group. Anthony Wiggins really stepped up his game."

The 2009 SBU football team finished 6-5, their first winning season since 2001. After starting 0-4 with a brutal opening schedule, SBU won six of their last seven to earn the winning mark. The Bearcats will open their 2010 season on Saturday, August 28, when they host Central Missouri at 6 p.m. from Plaster Stadium.