Tyler Junior College will conduct its spring football game today at 6 p.m. at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

Head coach Danny Palmer said 80 players are expected to dress for the controlled scrimmage. The Black team will comprise the first defense and the second offense, while the White squad will have the first offense and second defense.

Palmer said each drive will start from the offense's own 40-yard line, with 10 yards to go for a first down. If the offense advances to the 30-yard line, it becomes four-down territory.

After five series for each side, the ball will be moved across midfield to the 40 with 10 yards more to go before four-down territory.

The Apaches will continue to shrink the field, eventually starting drives from the plus-25 until finishing with goal-line situations, Palmer said. There will be no kickoffs or punts.

Palmer said several key players will miss the game, including offensive lineman Chris Kyles (ankle surgery), offensive lineman Josh Gilbert (knee) of Lindale, defensive back Chris Shinault (dislocated elbow) and running back Chris Walker (dislocated knee). Also, starters Terry Franklin (DL) and Desmond Marrs (WR, Lufkin) will be held out for academic reasons.

Lufkin's Jeffrey Claybon will be the quarterback for the first-team offense, while Plano walk-on Chris Bell will engineer the second offense.

Palmer said Robert E. Lee graduates Jamal Mitchell and Simmon Blaylock have had excellent springs. Mitchell can play slot receiver or running back, while Blaylock is a defensive lineman and a key player from last season.

-- Joe Buie, Tyler Morning Telegraph

Link to Original Article:  http://tylerpaper.com/article/20100416/SPORTS06/4160329