MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State football team finished its spring practice Saturday afternoon at Blakeslee Stadium as the offense defeated the defense 38-30.

The offense jumped out in front on its opening drive as Justin Taormina raced into the end zone from 90 yards out on the third play of the game. The offense reached the end zone for the second time in the first quarter as Brevin Kaiser connected with Blake Ver Mulm on a 10-yard touchdown pass.

The defense manages to keep the offense out of the end zone for the rest of the first half. The defense forced two punts, while Chance Bowen blocked a field goal attempt, as the offense carried a 25-12 lead into halftime. 

In the third quarter, the defense forced a total of four punts, once of which was blocked by Cheyenne Bradford as the defense closed the gap to 29-20.

On the opening play of the fourth quarter, Taormina notched his second touchdown carry of the game, this time from two yards out, to put the offense up 36-20. The defense forced another punt in the fourth quarter, and stopped the offense on a pair of fourth downs attempts, but the offense was able to come away with the 38-30 win.

Taormina finished with 118 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Kaleb Sleezer recorded 109 rushing yards on 12 carries. Chase Devitt also tallied 52 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Seven Mavericks caught at least one pass in the game, including Cullen Gahagan, who led the team with four catches for 52 yards. Kaiser completed five passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.

Matthew Sieh led the defense in tackles with 5.5, while DJ Mosley recorded 4.5. Grant Nagel, Tyler Johnson, Nic Dahlke and Logan Josephson each recorded a sack as well.

Minnesota State opens its 2019 schedule on Saturday, Sept. 7, as it travels to Southwest Minnesota State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

-30-