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Although he was sacked four times during Friday?s annual Green and Gold Game, Sacramento State?s Ryan Leadingham couldn?t help but appreciate the overall improvement of the defensive unit, even as the offense outscored the defense, 20-6.

“The (defense) did a good job. They outplayed us today,” the sophomore quarterback said. “We lacked focus and the just handed it to us.”

After relinquishing over 500 yards in total offense and allowing almost 40 points per game last season, Sac State revamped and bolstered its defense, welcoming back All-American nose tackle Bilal Watkins and introducing several key transfers, including junior college All-American linebacker Ryan Kroeker and Iowa State transfer Julian Cummings.

“We?ve had an intense spring,” Hornet coach John Volek said. “We?ve been making some strides. Our defense really showed up inside the (50-yard line). They played hard with their backs at the end of the field.

“Some of the transfers were impressive up front,” he added. “Kroeker and Cummings are going to add in.”

Kroeker, who recorded 133 tackles last season with Bakersfield Junior College, made an immediate impact for the Hornets. Forced to play nose tackle during the scrimmage, Kroeker recorded a sack and a game-high seven tackles, an honor he shared with second-team All Big Sky Conference player Reza Williams.

While the offense struggled to move the ball early, it was the defense that cracked the end zone first, with 2:18 left in the opening quarter. Flushed out of the pocket, second team quarterback Ryan Maine?s pass was intercepted by Brandon Lofton and returned 45-yards unscathed for a touchdown.

“Turnovers killed us,” Leadingham said. “But, (the offense) picked it up in the middle (of the game).”

Leadingham finally got the offense on the scoreboard with 7:27 left in the second quarter, relying on sheer arm strength and pocket presence.

Under heavy pressure, Leadingham evaded the oncoming rush and found a streaking Fred Amey for a 48-yard strike.

“I am really impressed with the development of Leadingham,” Volek said. “Last season he was still trying to just learn the offense.”

Amey, who is just a sophomore himself, has evolved into Leadingham?s favorite target, hauling down three catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns Friday. The duo, which together accounted for 54 receptions and 885 yards of offense through the air last season, connected on another scoring strike just as the second quarter expired. Leadingham finished the game 11-of-24 for 196 yards with two touchdowns.

“Numbers are cool, but I just wish I could have played better,” Leadingham said. “Numbers aren?t what I?m really looking for out there. I would have liked to see us move the ball more.”

But the defense would have none of that in the third quarter. In the third quarter alone, the defense tallied six sacks, including three straight to force a change of possession.

The defense was especially tough against Maine, a true freshman. Maine was sacked three times during the quarter, chasing the second team off the field.

Nevertheless, Volek was pleased with his back-up?s performance during the controlled scrimmage. Maine finished 6-of-13 for 46 yards.

“Maine has improved a lot,” Volek said. “He?s starting to get used to the college atmosphere.”

Running back Brett Collins rounded out the scoring for the Hornets, bursting through the line for a 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Collins and fullback Andrew Bonner were the staples of the rushing offense, amassing 135 yards on 27 carries combined.

The Hornets will complete their spring football schedule with scrimmage on Saturday, April 27. The scrimmage is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

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