The UNA Lions football team split up into two squads to play in the spring game March 16. The Purple squad defeated the White squad 17-7.

The seniors picked the teams earlier in the week.

“I can’t remember ever at West Alabama or here being able to divide up into two teams and two good teams,” said Bobby Wallace, head coach.

The game was free for fans and students and it appeared as if everyone enjoyed themselves.

“We had a lot of enthusiasm and we had a lot of fun,” Wallace said.

Wallace spoke about his first impressions for the team to come.

“My first impressions are that we have good depth, not at all positions, but at some positions,” he said.

The receiver position is the major concern for the coaches.

“We need more depth behind the three guys,” Wallace said. “I really didn’t see anything today that was to the point where I was excited.”

Offensive coordinator Cody Gross agreed with Wallace about the depth at receiver.

“We still have to have some folks step up at receiver,” he said.

Depth at running back is the exact opposite as four players can play.

“We all know what LaMonta Thomspon and Chris Coffey can do,” Wallace said. “Diamond Simmons is an outstanding player.”

Wallace and Gross were impressed by Will Minor’s performance.

“Will Minor made some really good runs,” Gross said.

“I thought Will Minor had some pretty good runs in the second half,” Wallace said.

There were no serious injuries during the game.

“The biggest win of the day was that we did not have anybody seriously hurt,” Wallace said.

Gross enjoyed the unusual situation of being able to go for the defense.

“It was good to root for the defense, because during the spring, you never get to do that,” he said.

Gross said the team needs to work on turnovers and its mentality before its game against Miles College at the start of the fall season.

“We have to do a better job of taking care of the ball,” he said. “We have to get mentally tougher.”

Wallace is looking forward to the fall season.

“I am excited; we had an excellent spring,” he said.