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CSU Buccaneers Debut Lights in Annual Blue and White Game

Charleston Southern played under the new lights at Buccaneer Field for the first time on Thursday night in the Bucs' annual Blue-White Spring Football Game. CSU head coach Jamey Chadwell led a strong crowd in a pregame countdown before the lights came on for the 7 p.m. kickoff. Once the football began, the White – the offense - produced three touchdowns to best the Blue, 21-0.

Aside from the football, the atmosphere of the first night game at Buccaneer Field stood out for Chadwell and all on hand.

"I think it's huge," Chadwell said. "We're trying to become a program that's consistently good and getting lights is going to give us a better chance to recruit the type of athletes we want and get our community and students more involved to create the kind of environment we want to have on gameday."

"Today was the start of that," Chadwell continued. "We had a good crowd. We did some things to get the students out and they created a good atmosphere for it. It's nice to have our kids feel like they're important and getting to play on a Thursday night is a cool thing for them. We're letting them know we're trying to make this program have a big-time feel."

Rising sophomore quarterback Kyle Copeland led the offensive effort with 135 yards passing and a touchdown, while junior Austin Brown hit Kevin Glears for a 70-yard score. The defense also played well for much of the night, producing five sacks and nine tackles for loss.

"It's still an open competition," said Chadwell of CSU's starting quarterback battle entering the summer and fall camp. "Austin, from the time that he's gotten here until now, has made huge strides. His natural ability and leadership are the reasons we wanted him here and he has really shown that while also picking up on what we do offensively. Kyle has done a good job as well. Unfortunately, Danny (Croghan) was hurt but we're happy with where we are there and will see how it picks up in the summer."

"I think the expectations were different last year because we were trying to get to know them and they're trying to get to know you," Chadwell said. "Now, they know what to expect. As far as the things we were able to implement, we were able to do so much more this spring than last with schemes that will be useful for us in the fall. Also, we were able to try some guys at new positions so I was pleased with the overall process of the things we did. Now, we know where the parts go."

Buccaneers Break in Night Football - Post & Courier (Charleston)

Charleston Southern's version of "Thursday Night Lights" was a big hit as the Buccaneers football program held its annual Blue-White spring game, marking the first night game in the program's history.

Second-year head coach Jamey Chadwell put his squad through a two quarter controlled scrimmage before one of the largest spring game crowds in school history.

"The main thing is you are praying nobody gets hurt and you want to see the players execute at a high level," said Chadwell. "We did some good things. I felt like the defense sort of handled the offense last Saturday and it was good to see the offense score some points tonight. It was a good night overall.

"The expectations this spring were different. There were probably more disappointments during the spring just because of our expectations. As far as things we were able to implement, I thought we were able to do a lot of things that will help us in the fall. Now, we know where the parts go and we have to make sure those parts are working well in the fall."

CSU returns all-conference running back Christian Reyes, a 1,000-yard rusher last season, but sophomore Michael Holloway had a huge spring, according to Chadwell. Holloway rushed for 53 yards on 11 carries in the spring game.

"He has really raised his game this spring," said Chadwell. "He got tons of reps and he really made strides. When everyone gets healthy, we will have a lot of options in the backfield."

Incredible atmosphere last night. Never seen anything like that at a spring game. Bucs looked pretty damn good for the spring game to boot.

Did CSU lose a lot of players?

Mostly defensive players.

CSUBUCDAD wrote:Mostly defensive players.

That's good news. I can't wait for the first game. I will be there.

Ibanez wrote:Did CSU lose a lot of players?

Not especially. They had 11 seniors -- including the entire defensive backfield and two linebackers -- and another 13 who aren't on the roster anymore. It's unlikely that all of them were scholaship players, yet, CSU signed 27 guys in February plus took a transfer QB.

Wish VMI could do something like this - then again we don't even have lights on our main field. Certainly Chuck South and Coastal will be battling for the Big South title this fall (although I won't rule out Liberty).

keydet21 wrote:Wish VMI could do something like this - then again we don't even have lights on our main field. Certainly Chuck South and Coastal will be battling for the Big South title this fall (although I won't rule out Liberty).

This year will be very important. This year will decide if last year was a fluke for CSU and if CCU is the real deal.

There is definitely a new, fresh, high-energy, big time culture and atmosphere around Charleston Southern football that Coach Chadwell and his staff brought in last year.

They have big goals and a big vision for the program. Program is they key word here, they know, understand, and are building a program at CSU with a definite identity. Lights were the first piece in that vision.

Last night's performance and execution was great, especially for a spring scrimmage. They brought in a VERY talented recruiting class with athletes that aren't even on campus yet, many of whom made it to the game last night to watch from the sidelines because they are so excited to be part of a program that is trending onward, upward, and forward. These recruits will come in this summer and battle for playing time. I expect to see several of these talented freshmen on the field competing in games this fall with regular playing time, if not starting.

BJuice wrote:There is definitely a new, fresh, high-energy, big time culture and atmosphere around Charleston Southern football that Coach Chadwell and his staff brought in last year.

They have big goals and a big vision for the program. Program is they key word here, they know, understand, and are building a program at CSU with a definite identity. Lights were the first piece in that vision.

Last night's performance and execution was great, especially for a spring scrimmage. They brought in a VERY talented recruiting class with athletes that aren't even on campus yet, many of whom made it to the game last night to watch from the sidelines because they are so excited to be part of a program that is trending onward, upward, and forward. These recruits will come in this summer and battle for playing time. I expect to see several of these talented freshmen on the field competing in games this fall with regular playing time, if not starting.

Next for you guys is to build on your football stadium, lay down some parking lots, etc. Make Buccaneer Field like a better football experience and the program will get a lot, lot better.

keydet21 wrote:

BJuice wrote:There is definitely a new, fresh, high-energy, big time culture and atmosphere around Charleston Southern football that Coach Chadwell and his staff brought in last year.

They have big goals and a big vision for the program. Program is they key word here, they know, understand, and are building a program at CSU with a definite identity. Lights were the first piece in that vision.

Last night's performance and execution was great, especially for a spring scrimmage. They brought in a VERY talented recruiting class with athletes that aren't even on campus yet, many of whom made it to the game last night to watch from the sidelines because they are so excited to be part of a program that is trending onward, upward, and forward. These recruits will come in this summer and battle for playing time. I expect to see several of these talented freshmen on the field competing in games this fall with regular playing time, if not starting.

Next for you guys is to build on your football stadium, lay down some parking lots, etc. Make Buccaneer Field like a better football experience and the program will get a lot, lot better.

First step is improve the visitor side.

I spoke with one of the CSU VPs last night in Columbia while we (CSU) were busy beating the #6 South Carolina Gamecocks in baseball. He is closely involved with fund raising and development for the University.

He told me that more stadium renovations, additions, and enhancements are on the books and ready to roll right after this football season is over. Approval has already been given, funds are allocated, and the plans are ready.

Just like right after last season when crews moved in to install lights, crews will move in right after this season to start construction.