CLEVELAND- After a successful spring football campaign, the Delta State University football team will wrap up their spring session this Saturday, April 18 at Travis Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.

Coach Ron Roberts and the Statesmen will be looking to ride the momentum after capturing their second straight Gulf South Conference Championship and their third straight NCAA Division II playoff appearances.

“It's been a great couple of weeks,” said Roberts. “These guys came in with a good work ethic and have shown a workman's mentality, we have guys out there fighting for jobs and we are very pleased at where we are at,” Roberts added.

The Statesmen return seven starters on offense and 6 on defense for the 2009 campaign, including All-American all-purpose back Trevar Deed and linebacker Lardester Hicks-Green. Deed gained 1,487 combined rushing and receiving yards while scoring 15 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign for the Statesmen. Hicks-Green led the team with 100 total tackles, and 15.5 tackles for loss.

Also returning for the Statesmen for his senior campaign is quarterback Garrett DeWitt. DeWitt, who is climbing in the record books for career passing marks, threw for 3,277 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior. The Statesmen will also look to senior fullback Ben Stallings for offensive production next season. The backfield trio of Stallings, Deed, and Rafael Mitchell will have four returning starters on the offensive line.

Roberts mentioned great springs for his veteran players but also liked the progress of other Statesmen. “Rafael Mitchell has been solid, and Todd Bradford has made some nice one-handed catches, playing with a broken hand.” Roberts was also excited about the play of former defensive player Damoyn Carroll, who moved back to his natural wide receiver position and offensive lineman Kendall Hunter. On the defensive side, Roberts mentioned linebacker Jacob Murphy, nose guard Mark Hoskins, James Smith, and newcomer Elgae Faoagali at defensive end saying all looked solid in spring practice.

The coaching staff will use a standardized point system this Saturday to determine a winner in the annual Green & White Game. Points are scored for first downs, touchdowns, yards gained, yards allowed, etc. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. at Parker Field at McCool Stadium. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.