WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Sophomore rush end Will Heldt's pick six sparked a second half rally, as the Hammer Down team defeated the Boiler Up team 17-13 in the Purdue Football Spring Game on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Ross-Ade Stadium.
The Hammer Down team consisted of the defensive starters and the offensive backups, while the Boiler Up team featured the offensive starters and the defensive backups.
Hudson Card found Andrew Sowinski for a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter to get Boiler Up out to an early lead, but Heldt and the starting defense battled back to help lead their team to victory and bragging rights in the annual team scrimmage.
The game featured a running clock for the majority of the final three quarters, but there was still plenty of action as the Boilermakers battled in front of their fans for the first time in 2024. It was an opportunity for head coach Ryan Walters to see his team compete on both sides of the ball.
"I thought the format allowed for a controlled environment where we kept guys healthy, but still got good work and got to evaluate and see some things in terms of in-game situations, in your home stadium, in front of your home crowd, while it's on TV," said Walters. "All those things can add to the experience to get us ready for the fall."
Facing fourth-and-goal on the final drive of the game, redshirt-freshman Jake Wilson connected with fellow redshirt-freshman Ryne Shackelford for a 6-yard touchdown pass to complete the comeback for Hammer Down.
While the annual spring game usually marks the end of spring ball, the Boilermakers have one more week of practice before the end of the semester.
The Hammer Down team consisted of the defensive starters and the offensive backups, while the Boiler Up team featured the offensive starters and the defensive backups.
Chalk one up for the defense 🔨⬇️@WillHeldt8 drops into coverage and takes one to the house! pic.twitter.com/JI6brTayfT
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) April 13, 2024
Hudson Card found Andrew Sowinski for a 58-yard touchdown in the first quarter to get Boiler Up out to an early lead, but Heldt and the starting defense battled back to help lead their team to victory and bragging rights in the annual team scrimmage.
The Indy kid opens the scoring 👏@andrewsowinski2 scampers in for the 58 yard strike to put team #BoilerUp on the board! pic.twitter.com/T7rADqmIgg
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) April 13, 2024
The game featured a running clock for the majority of the final three quarters, but there was still plenty of action as the Boilermakers battled in front of their fans for the first time in 2024. It was an opportunity for head coach Ryan Walters to see his team compete on both sides of the ball.
"I thought the format allowed for a controlled environment where we kept guys healthy, but still got good work and got to evaluate and see some things in terms of in-game situations, in your home stadium, in front of your home crowd, while it's on TV," said Walters. "All those things can add to the experience to get us ready for the fall."
Facing fourth-and-goal on the final drive of the game, redshirt-freshman Jake Wilson connected with fellow redshirt-freshman Ryne Shackelford for a 6-yard touchdown pass to complete the comeback for Hammer Down.
While the annual spring game usually marks the end of spring ball, the Boilermakers have one more week of practice before the end of the semester.
That's a wrap from Ross-Ade.
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) April 13, 2024
Always a great time competing in front of Boiler Nation! See you all in August 🚂⬆️ pic.twitter.com/QcHvcgkJwr
Some of the best moments from @BoilerFootball's Spring game! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/c1gNUdhbWq
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) April 13, 2024