Junior April Goss lined up at kicker with a chance to win Saturday’s Spring Game for Kent State’s white team. Goss nailed the extra point despite the gusty wind at her back.

“It was awesome to be in that position and winning it,” Goss said. “Having all the teammates rush and pick me up, it’s just a thrill.”

Goss’ extra point gave white team a 21-20 victory as time expired in a game that the blue team once led 17-0.

“April is a huge part of this team,” Coach Paul Haynes said. “If you come to practice, there’s one person you see out there before and after practice kicking, and that’s April. She’s one of the hardest workers on this football team.”

Goss has been the subject of many news pieces, even outside of Kent State.

“It’s pretty awesome to know that your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed,” Goss said. “Coach believes in me, and that means a lot.”

The extra point by Goss came after redshirt freshman quarterback Nathan Strock connected on a touchdown pass with senior tight end Casey Pierce.

Strock threw a total of three touchdowns on the day along with one interception.

After starting each game in his freshman season, sophomore Colin Reardon might be considered a favorite to be the starter this season, but the competition between him and Strock has been vital to their improvement.

“I look back and see how they command the offense and control the huddle,” Haynes said. “Both of those guys are learning and getting better. Most importantly, both of those guys are still young.”

Reardon also had three touchdowns passing in the game Saturday.

Reardon posted a completion percentage of 58.9 last season, totaling to 1,957 yards with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 12 games.

Reardon expects last year’s experience to help him this upcoming season.

“It feels good that I can just relax instead of thinking about everything,” Reardon said. “For the most part, I can read defenses a lot better. I know where to go with the ball.”

With the dismissal of Roman Clay and Julian Durden during the offseason, the running back position became an area of concern for the Flashes.

Trayion Durham returned as a senior after accounting for the bulk of Kent State’s running game last year, but the position is still up for grabs.

“We made a good move with Nick Holley, moving him to running back,” Haynes said. “Anthony Meray has had a good spring, along with Tristin. We told those guys going into the year we were going to get two guys ready to roll. It’s going to be a crazy competition to see who those two guys are. If you ask any of our guys right now who the starter is, they’ll tell you ‘whoever earns it.’” Haynes said.

The Flashes will begin regular practices June 9, but Saturday’s game highlighted the hard work they have put in during their spring sessions.

“Once we put it all together, hopefully that forms a good team,” Haynes said. “The offense is making plays and the defense is making big plays on that side of the ball. I believe right now that we are going to be a great football team.”

Contact Michael Mann at [email protected].