NARRAGANSETT, R.I. – Rhode Island's defense halted the offense on fourth-and-goal in the final minute of both halves, securing a 24-14 victory in the annual Spring Game on Saturday morning at Narragansett High School.
The game featured four 10-minute quarters with traditional offensive scoring, while the defense was awarded 24 points to start the contest. The game was played at Narragansett High School due to the ongoing renovations to Meade Stadium on URI's campus in Kingston.
Trailing 24-14 in the final minute, quarterback Ben Roden connected with transfer tight end CJ Hawkins on a 19-yard pass to move the offense to the five-yard line. The defense responded with four straight stops to seal the win. Andre DePina-Gray recorded a tackle for loss on second down, and Timoy Stitchell Jr. followed with a pass breakup to force fourth-and-goal. On the final play, Rohan Davy delivered a sack to secure the defensive victory.
The fourth-quarter goal-line stand mirrored a similar situation just before halftime. Facing fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line with one second remaining in the first half, Case Mankins tackled Brendon Barrow in the backfield as time expired, preserving a 24-7 lead for the defense at the break.
The offense pieced together two scoring drives in the game, the first of which came at the beginning of the second quarter. Tyler Budge, a transfer quarterback from Georgia Southern found veteran receiver Jamall Mensah on a 27-yard catch-and-run that put the offense at the four-yard line. Budge then rushed into the end zone on the next play to give the offense its first score of the game.
Budge, Roden, and Alex McClelland all saw reps at quarterback in the game. It was Budge conducting the offense during both of its touchdown drives. On the third drive of the second quarter, the offense scored its second touchdown of the day. Joey Acciardo's 12-yard reception set up a four-yard touchdown run for Gabe Winowich to cut the score to 24-14, the eventual final.
Rhode Island Football will conclude its spring schedule with its final two practices on Tuesday, April 28 and Thursday, April 29.
Team Banquet Awards
Following the completion of the spring game, the 2025 CAA Football Champions celebrated their historic season with a team banquet at the Ryan Center. The following awards were presented to members of the program.
A.A Savastano Scholar-Athlete Award - Andre DePina-Gray
The A.A. Savastano Scholar-Athlete Award is presented annually to a member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team for his outstanding academic achievement. The award is named for Americo A. "Savy" Savastano and is presented in memory of his longtime commitment to student-athletes.
Bruce E. Murray Award - Omari Walker
The Bruce E. Murray Award is presented annually to a member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team for being the consummate team player. For over 20 years, Bruce E. Murray was a member and one-time president of the Fifth Quarter Club. Bruce was recognized for his unselfishness and dedication to URI Football.
Bob Griffin Award - A.J. Pena
The Bob Griffin Award is presented annually to a member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team who displays both high character and exemplary leadership skills. Bob Griffin is the winningest football coach in URI history and spent 17 seasons patrolling the sidelines in Kingston. His ability to motivate and lead enabled him to become the most successful coach in URI history.
Justin Henry Award - Dontay Bishop
The Justin Henry Award is presented annually to a member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team who has excelled both academically and athletically at the University of Rhode Island. Justin Henry played football and basketball at URI while majoring in Pharmacy. Justin made the most of each and every opportunity during his lifetime and was the epitome of a model student-athlete.
Iron Ram Award - Case Mankins
The Iron Ram Award is presented annually to a member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team whose year round commitment to the weight room served to motivate all of his teammates.
Tom Catalo Anchor Award - Marquis Buchanan
The Anchor Award is a symbol of steadfastness attached to an eleven link chain which represents the strength of a team. This award is presented annually to a rising senior member of the University of Rhode Island Football Team that through his consistent performance has shown the ability to "hold fast" during the trying, emotional and chaotic times that are inherent in the pursuit of victory.
Most Improved Defense Award - Trey Lubin
Most Improved Offense Award - Dayen Marouf-Araibi
Offensive Player of the Year Award - Devin Farrell, Marquis Buchanan, Antwain Littleton, Jr., Connor Finer
Defensive Player of the Year Award - Andre DePina-Gray, A.J. Pena, Moses Meus
Special Teams Player of the Year Award - Angel Sanchez
