BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University football team closed out its spring schedule Saturday morning with the Coach John Payton Spring Showcase at Provost Umphrey Stadium. Despite the fact, Mother Nature attempted to wreak havoc on the day, the Cardinals were able to play through the elements.
 
The offense took center stage Saturday led by strong efforts from the four LU quarterbacks. Lamar's signal callers combined to complete 22-of-32 passes (.688) for 350 yards and three touchdowns. The group ended the day with just one interception which came near the end of the workout while the rain was falling.
 
Junior to-be Aiden McCown started behind the center with the first team and completed 10-of-14 (.714) passes for 159 yards and a touchdown. He also carried the ball three times for 17 yards including an eight-yard run for a touchdown when the pocket collapsed. The Cardinals put together a good drive on the opening possession but the defense shut it down, but McCown went right back on the field and led the Cardinals to a score on the second drive.
 
Louisiana Tech transfer Evan Bullock also did not waste any time when his number was called. The 6-5, 223-pound native of Anna, Texas was a near perfect 4-of-6 (.667) for 92 yards and a touchdown. Bullock's TD pass came on his first drive of the game and went for 50 yards. With the ball on the 50, Bullock scrambled to his right then threw back across his body to a wide open Andikan Asuquo (Forney, Texas) who caught the pass and sprinted 41 up the field – untouched – for the score.

The 50-yard score was one of 12 plays of at least 15 yards or more on the day – 11 of those coming through the air. The Cardinals' offense also finished the day with four plays of at least 30 yards or more.
 
 
Not to be outdone by the upper classman, redshirt freshman Julian Salazar calmly stepped in and hit a 35-yard pass to Cam Patterson on his first play. Salazar's pass hit Patterson in the hands while he was sprinting down the far sideline. While that possession stalled out and did not end in a touchdown, Salazar would come later in the scrimmage to find Patterson again (this time for a 25-yard connection) that would go for a score. Salazar ended the day 6-of-10 (.600) for 77 yards and the one touchdown. Salazar also had one carry for eight yards.
 
Lumberton native Lucas Powell rounded out the day for the LU quarterbacks completing both of his attempts. He was a perfect 2-of-2 for 22 yards.
 
The quarterbacks connected with nine different receivers Saturday led by Patterson's four catches for 64 yards and a score. Sophomore Blake Thomas hauled in four passes for 50 yards and transfer Malachi Casey added three receptions for 53 yards.
 
LU's ground attack ended the day with 29 carries for 94 (3.2 ypc). Asuquo recorded a team-high eight rushes for 16 yards to go along with the 50-yard touchdown reception.
 
Despite the numbers for the offense, the defense also had its moments Saturday. The defense ended the day with 11 tackles for a loss – including four sacks – picked off a pass (which was retuned 25 yards) and recovered a fumble.
 
Sophomore Grayden Spencer led the team with five tackles – two solos – and a sack, while redshirt freshman, and Groves native, Mason Wuenschel added three tackles with two solo stops. Bowling Green transfer T.J. Nelson also made three stops and recorded the defense's lone interception.