Bears Move Past Halfway Mark Of Spring Ball

The Golden Bears moved past the halfway mark of spring ball on Friday at California Memorial Stadium.

FB3/24/2023 6:23 PM | By: Cal Athletics

Offense Passes For 435 Yards In Scrimmage; Defense Scores Third Touchdown Of Spring

BERKELEY – California wrapped up its eighth of 15 spring practices with a live scrimmage at California Memorial Stadium on Friday and there were big plays on both sides of the ball. After rushing for 303 yards in the Golden Bears’ first scrimmage of the spring six days ago, the offense primarily moved the ball through the air on Friday with 435 passing yards. Fernando Mendoza connected on touchdown passes of 71 yards to Trond Grizzell and 65 yards to Chris Rogers to account for two large chunks of the yardage, but it was the defense that had the longest touchdown of the day on a 77-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Matthew Littlejohn.

Mendoza finished 14-of-23 passes for 290 yards with one interception and three touchdown throws, while Sam Jackson V connected on 13-of-22 passes for 145 yards. Rogers had a game-high 111 yards receiving on three receptions as he also connected with Mendoza on a pair of 23-yard plays with one of them for a touchdown. Byron Cardwell was the leading rusher with 19 carries for 72 yards while Jaydn Ott had the lone rushing touchdown when he scored from 3 yards out.

Littlejohn’s score was the third defensive touchdown in the last two scrimmages for the Bears following a 60-yard fumble return by Myles Jernigan and a 25-yard interception return from Craig Woodson last Saturday.

“It’s been crazy,” Woodson said. “This has probably been one of the most competitive spring balls I’ve had since I’ve been here … There’s more of an urgency to be more competitive and dominant.”

“We have high expectations for the group, so I don’t know if we’re ahead of where we expect to be – we’re always looking for a little bit more,” Travers Family Head Coach Justin Wilcox added. “We’re pleased with the progress, but we’re going to have to be better. There’s no doubt about that.”

Cal is now off for 11 days for spring break before returning to practice on Wed., April 5 (8:45 a.m. PT). The Bears will conclude their 2023 spring practice sessions with the annual Cal Football Spring Showcase on April 15 (2 p.m., Pac-12 Networks). All practices…