Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Alex Paslawski
Football Caps Spring Season with Spirited Spring Game Performance
4/11/2025 10:02:00 PM | Football
Defense shines, offense flashes, and EMU collects over 500 books in community drive
Video Recap | Postgame Press Conference | Photo Gallery | Purchase Season Tickets
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Under crisp April skies and in front of a lively Rynearson Stadium crowd, the Eastern Michigan University football team wrapped up its 2025 spring season with its annual Spring Game Friday, April 11, on Crosby Field inside Rynearson Stadium. With the Green (defense) and White (offense) squads squaring off in a situational four-quarter format, Head Coach Chris Creighton and his staff got one last look at a team that has shown promising growth over the course of 15 spring practices.
"This is a huge day for us. It always has been," Creighton said after the game. "To go from where we started — with 24 new guys and some inexperience — to where we are now, it's a night-and-day difference. This is all part of the maturation process we began on January 7. The guys are coachable, their effort has been phenomenal, and we've got to keep building on that all the way through December."
While the day was officially a scrimmage, the energy in the stadium was unmistakably game-like. Junior linebacker Marco Patierno (Wake Forest, N.C./Heritage /Elon), one of several newcomers to make an impact this spring, recorded two sacks and anchored a defensive unit that applied consistent pressure throughout. The defense finished with nine total sacks, including two apiece from Patierno, Marvell Eggleston (Detroit, Mich./King), Messiah Blair (Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King), and Luke Fletcher (Port Huron, Mich./Port Huron Northern).
"The atmosphere and energy were amazing," said Patierno, who transferred in this semester. "This was my first real game day at EMU, and it felt incredible to be out there with the guys. We've grown a ton since the first practice. I went from learning the basics to making calls and checks. It's been a major transformation."
The offensive side saw all four quarterbacks get involved, with Jeremiah Salem (Germantown, Tenn./Houston) and Jace Stuckey (Fairland, Ind./Triton Central) each tossing four completions. Salem, a senior, connected with tight end Tanner Lemaster (Washington Court House, Ohio/Washington/Kentucky) on a touchdown strike and added 31 yards through the air. Stuckey chipped in 32 yards, while Noah Kim (Centreville, Va./Westfield/Michigan State/Coastal Carolina) and Cameron Edge (Clayton, Del./Smyrna/Maryland) combined to complete 7-of-9 passes for 54 yards.
"We've been competing all spring, and that's made everyone better," Salem said. "From day one, the offense has been learning, adjusting, and building chemistry. Today was a chance to show that progress."
On the ground, running back Tavierre Dunlap (Del Valle, Texas/Del Valle/Michigan) led the way with 41 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Kim flashed his mobility with 37 rushing yards, while eight different players carried the ball at least once. Seven receivers recorded a reception, including Deion Brown's (St. Louis, Mo./Kirkwood) two grabs for 18 yards and Lemaster's touchdown catch.
"I've really grown to appreciate how this team works," Kim said. "From day one, the culture here has pushed me to be better — not just as a quarterback, but as a leader. This spring was about learning the system, building relationships, and earning trust. I feel like I took a big step forward."
The day also featured a field goal competition, with Nathan Dibert (Hartland, Mich./Hartland/LSU) drilling a 47-yarder and Rudy Kessinger (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Watterson) converting a 26-yard attempt. Both kickers combined to go 7-for-8 in a challenge that tested them from 31, 39, 46, and 55 yards out.
But the highlight of the event extended beyond the sidelines. In partnership with Ypsilanti Public Schools and the EMU Bright Futures Program, fans were encouraged to bring children's books to donate. The result? Over 500 books collected, all of which will go directly to local school libraries.
"Our guys have been reading to elementary schools every Friday this semester," said Creighton. "This wasn't just a one-day thing — it's part of who we are. The book drive was a great idea, and the response from the community was awesome. Our players are more than just athletes. They're difference-makers."
As EMU closes the chapter on spring ball, attention now turns to summer workouts and the 2025 season ahead.
Want to take your fandom to the next level? EMU representatives will be on hand during the Spring Game at Rynearson Stadium to help fans purchase their 2025 season tickets. Whether you're looking for the best seats, cost-saving packages, or VIP perks, there's a ticket option for you!
- Eastern Loge Season Tickets ($2,500): Private table and swivel-style seating on the 50-yard line, including food and beverage, and 2 VIP parking passes ($180 value).
- E-Club Membership ($200): Grants season access to all home football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games and includes a donation to the E-Club.
- Ultimate Fan Season Tickets ($180): Chairback seating on the 50-yard line with extra legroom and VIP parking ($90 value).
- Pride of the Peninsula Season Tickets ($170): Provides access to all home football games and includes a donation to the Pride of the Peninsula Marching Band.
- Reserved Season Tickets ($135): Secure your spot in Sections 104-109.
- General Admission Season Tickets ($108): Enjoy the game from Sections 110-114 or the visitor's side.
- Alumni Season Value Pack ($360 / $90 per seat): EMU Alumni can take advantage of one of our best deals to secure four reserved tickets per game in Sections 104-109.
- General Admission Season Value Pack ($360 / $90 per seat): The Value Pack is one of our best values, offering four tickets to every home game in General Admission.
- VIP Season Parking ($90): Reserved space conveniently located in the George Gervin GameAbove Center parking lot.
Tickets are available online at EMUEagles.com/tickets, by phone at 734.487.3669, or in person at the EMU Ticket Office.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Under crisp April skies and in front of a lively Rynearson Stadium crowd, the Eastern Michigan University football team wrapped up its 2025 spring season with its annual Spring Game Friday, April 11, on Crosby Field inside Rynearson Stadium. With the Green (defense) and White (offense) squads squaring off in a situational four-quarter format, Head Coach Chris Creighton and his staff got one last look at a team that has shown promising growth over the course of 15 spring practices.
"This is a huge day for us. It always has been," Creighton said after the game. "To go from where we started — with 24 new guys and some inexperience — to where we are now, it's a night-and-day difference. This is all part of the maturation process we began on January 7. The guys are coachable, their effort has been phenomenal, and we've got to keep building on that all the way through December."
While the day was officially a scrimmage, the energy in the stadium was unmistakably game-like. Junior linebacker Marco Patierno (Wake Forest, N.C./Heritage /Elon), one of several newcomers to make an impact this spring, recorded two sacks and anchored a defensive unit that applied consistent pressure throughout. The defense finished with nine total sacks, including two apiece from Patierno, Marvell Eggleston (Detroit, Mich./King), Messiah Blair (Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King), and Luke Fletcher (Port Huron, Mich./Port Huron Northern).
"The atmosphere and energy were amazing," said Patierno, who transferred in this semester. "This was my first real game day at EMU, and it felt incredible to be out there with the guys. We've grown a ton since the first practice. I went from learning the basics to making calls and checks. It's been a major transformation."
The offensive side saw all four quarterbacks get involved, with Jeremiah Salem (Germantown, Tenn./Houston) and Jace Stuckey (Fairland, Ind./Triton Central) each tossing four completions. Salem, a senior, connected with tight end Tanner Lemaster (Washington Court House, Ohio/Washington/Kentucky) on a touchdown strike and added 31 yards through the air. Stuckey chipped in 32 yards, while Noah Kim (Centreville, Va./Westfield/Michigan State/Coastal Carolina) and Cameron Edge (Clayton, Del./Smyrna/Maryland) combined to complete 7-of-9 passes for 54 yards.
"We've been competing all spring, and that's made everyone better," Salem said. "From day one, the offense has been learning, adjusting, and building chemistry. Today was a chance to show that progress."
On the ground, running back Tavierre Dunlap (Del Valle, Texas/Del Valle/Michigan) led the way with 41 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Kim flashed his mobility with 37 rushing yards, while eight different players carried the ball at least once. Seven receivers recorded a reception, including Deion Brown's (St. Louis, Mo./Kirkwood) two grabs for 18 yards and Lemaster's touchdown catch.
"I've really grown to appreciate how this team works," Kim said. "From day one, the culture here has pushed me to be better — not just as a quarterback, but as a leader. This spring was about learning the system, building relationships, and earning trust. I feel like I took a big step forward."
The day also featured a field goal competition, with Nathan Dibert (Hartland, Mich./Hartland/LSU) drilling a 47-yarder and Rudy Kessinger (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Watterson) converting a 26-yard attempt. Both kickers combined to go 7-for-8 in a challenge that tested them from 31, 39, 46, and 55 yards out.
But the highlight of the event extended beyond the sidelines. In partnership with Ypsilanti Public Schools and the EMU Bright Futures Program, fans were encouraged to bring children's books to donate. The result? Over 500 books collected, all of which will go directly to local school libraries.
"Our guys have been reading to elementary schools every Friday this semester," said Creighton. "This wasn't just a one-day thing — it's part of who we are. The book drive was a great idea, and the response from the community was awesome. Our players are more than just athletes. They're difference-makers."
As EMU closes the chapter on spring ball, attention now turns to summer workouts and the 2025 season ahead.
Want to take your fandom to the next level? EMU representatives will be on hand during the Spring Game at Rynearson Stadium to help fans purchase their 2025 season tickets. Whether you're looking for the best seats, cost-saving packages, or VIP perks, there's a ticket option for you!
- Eastern Loge Season Tickets ($2,500): Private table and swivel-style seating on the 50-yard line, including food and beverage, and 2 VIP parking passes ($180 value).
- E-Club Membership ($200): Grants season access to all home football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games and includes a donation to the E-Club.
- Ultimate Fan Season Tickets ($180): Chairback seating on the 50-yard line with extra legroom and VIP parking ($90 value).
- Pride of the Peninsula Season Tickets ($170): Provides access to all home football games and includes a donation to the Pride of the Peninsula Marching Band.
- Reserved Season Tickets ($135): Secure your spot in Sections 104-109.
- General Admission Season Tickets ($108): Enjoy the game from Sections 110-114 or the visitor's side.
- Alumni Season Value Pack ($360 / $90 per seat): EMU Alumni can take advantage of one of our best deals to secure four reserved tickets per game in Sections 104-109.
- General Admission Season Value Pack ($360 / $90 per seat): The Value Pack is one of our best values, offering four tickets to every home game in General Admission.
- VIP Season Parking ($90): Reserved space conveniently located in the George Gervin GameAbove Center parking lot.
Tickets are available online at EMUEagles.com/tickets, by phone at 734.487.3669, or in person at the EMU Ticket Office.
Players Mentioned
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