GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Team Black jumped out to a 21-0 lead but had to hold off a rally in a 28-21 defeat of Team White at the 2014 Tusculum College Spring Football Game at the Niswonger Sports Complex and Pioneer Field.

Quarterback Cameron Tallent led Team Black as he went 14-of-23 for 212 yards and two touchdowns, including a 65-yard TD completion to Ken Funnye to cap off a 21-point first quarter. Funnye finished the game with five catches for 106 yards and two scores.

Redshirt freshman signal caller Malcolm Pendergras paced Team White with 171 yards passing going 16-for-35 for 171 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a 23-yard touchdown in the second quarter to bring Team White to within 21-14.

All-American Justin Houston was Pendegras' top target as he hauled in nine receptions for 83 yards on his birthday.

Team White's L'Keith Brown led all players with 10 tackles, including two for loss and forced a fumble. Wayne Soliai led Team Black with nine tackles, including two sacks and an interception that set up a first half score for the victors.

Rising senior quarterback Kyle Dickey served double-duty as he saw action for both squads, combining for 88 passing yards on 9-of-17 passing with a touchdown.

Team Black's Justin Ware was the leading rusher in the game with his 34 yards on seven carries, including a 12-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Justin and his twin brother Jason, who was also playing for Team Black, were also celebrating their birthdays today.

Fernando Smith was second on the team in rushing for Team Black with 28 yards on nine attempts, including a five-yard TD run for the game's first score.

The kicking tandem of Logan Cornelius and Jose Esparza were nearly flawless in the contest. Cornelius was a perfect 3-for-3 on his extra point tries for Team White and recorded a touchback on one of his two kickoffs. Esparaza went 4-for-4 on his PATs and posted four touchbacks on his five kickoffs for the game.

TC White's Neil Lee capped off the scoring for the day with his 19-yard TD catch from Dickey in the final moments of the game.

Team Black recorded 325 yards offensively, while Team White mustered 288 yards in the abbreviated scrimmage.

The Pioneers wrap up the spring season as they will open its 2014 campaign on Sept. 4 when they host College of Faith for a 7 p.m. contest.

- TC -