By Mike London

mike.london@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — It’s that time of year when depth is an issue for a Division II football program.

“Spring is the thinnest time,” explained Catawba head coach Curtis Walker. “You’ve lost your seniors and that next recruiting class isn’t here yet.”

Catawba lost three senior defensive linemen and injuries added to a serious shortage for that position group. So the Indians didn’t stage one of those full-scale intra-squad games to close spring workouts. The annual Blue-White Game, played in good weather and in front of a sizable crowd, was limited to a scrimmage pitting the offense (Blue) against the defense (White).

“We still got a lot of the work in that we needed to get in,” Walker said.

This is an important year for the program, as Walker enters his third season.

Catawba went 6-5 in 2013, Walker’s first season, a nice turnaround from tough times. There was another 6-5 record in 2014, but it was a feistier 6-5 against a tougher schedule.  Lenoir-Rhyne was a good measuring stick. In 2013, the Indians were blown out at home by the Bears, 48-15. Last season in Hickory, L-R won a 27-21 struggle.

Strides are being made, as Catawba attempts to make the long climb back into contention for SAC championships and playoff berths.

“We’re on track,” Walker said. “We’re excited about our second full recruiting class that’s coming in. When this staff came in, we played with the guys that were here. Now we’re recruiting guys who are great fits for our schemes.”

Catawba will have numerous veterans returning, including a deep crew of running backs. Talented receiver Diante Hodges is expected to return from the injury that cost him last season, and slot receiver Carlos Tarrats is an outstanding playmaker.

“We’re getting better,” said quarterback Mike Sheehan, who should be one of the SAC’s best this fall. “This spring, even with some guys hurt and with some guys having to play different spots, you could see improvement.”

Catawba’s offense started strong Saturday. Sheehan directed a 75-yard, textbook scoring drive, with back David Burgess (eight carries, 54 yards) pouring through huge holes in that shorthanded defensive line. Had they been healthy, veterans C.J. Barksdale and Jonathan Jean would have made things tougher.

“That first series was crisp,” Sheehan said. “That’s the way we ran the ball against Brevard and Tusculum, 8 to 10 yards every play.”

Sheehan didn’t play much after that, mostly because the Indians already know what he can do. No. 2 quarterback Reid Carlton got extensive snaps and threw accurately (5-for-6, 60 yards).

“God forbid anything happens to Mike, but it was really important for Reid to get some work with the first-team offense, just in case,” offensive lineman T.J. Olsen said.  “That was a great learning experience.”

Walker agreed with that assessment.

“We know Reid is a pretty good runner,” Walker said. “But this was a chance for him to operate our pass offense with live bullets flying. The last two days were the two best days Reid had this spring.”

After getting knocked back early, Catawba’s defense stiffened considerably. Linebackers Michael Peppers and R.J. Beaty had two sacks each. Freshmen linemen Terry Whitehead and Dominique Walker had a sack apiece. Linebacker Nic Richardson pounced on a fumble forced by lineman Marquez Robbs. Defensive back Aljere Adams had an athletic pass breakup.

“We were lacking depth on the defensive side, but we still made things happen,” veteran DB Mark McDaniel said. “The only thing I didn’t like was the defense. We were good at the end, but we’ve got to bring that same intensity at the start.”

Catawba scored its second TD late in the scrimmage. It was set up by a short pass from Carlton to former East Rowan player Shawn Galloway. The former Mustang sped through a tackle and made his way down the left sideline for a 41-yard gain. After Cary Littlejohn (seven carries, 46 yards) battled his way down to the 4, Carlton ran for the touchdown.

Other highlights on offense were a 20-yard catch by tight end Andy Hunt and a diving 21-yard reception by another former East Rowan receiver, Riley Weber, on a pass thrown by No. 3 QB Alex Thornton.  Eamon Smart ran for 36 yards on eight attempts, while Dantereus James gained 28 on six tries.

Yet another former East Rowan player to watch out for is Joshua Moses.

“He worked hard this spring and showed us he can contribute on special teams,” Walker said. “That’s an area we weren’t good enough in last season, and he’s solidified a spot.”

Catawba will look to have everyone healthy and clicking on September 5. That’s when the Indians take on West Georgia at Shuford Stadum — for the first time since the glory days. Catawba defeated West Georgia in the 2000 national playoffs before falling the next week against Delta State in the infamous “mud bowl.”

“Spring ball is really important to building a team,” Olson said. “Spring is when a lot of team unity is built, not only on the field, but in the locker room.”

Saturday’s event came to a conclusion with veteran kicker Chad Hollandsworth missing left on a 41-yard field goal attempt. Walker said to do it over, and Hollandsworth’s second try split the uprights.

“We weren’t going to end the spring on a miss,” Walker said.