The Saluki football squad took the field for the last time of the spring season on Friday, April 17 for their annual spring game in front of hundreds of fans at Saluki Stadium, many of them SIU students enticed by prize raffles and food and drink deals.

The team started with position drills, with Saluki Radio’s Pat Poore walking fans through what each drill was supposed to accomplish.

After those finished up, two SIU students took to the turf to attempt short field goals and went a combined 0-4. Keeping the kicking theme going, the Saluki faithful got their first look at new punter Elijah Gorman in punting drills.

At that point, it was SIU students Jared and Colby’s turn to run routes and try and catch touchdowns from Saluki quarterbacks JC Mirasola and Owen Rann. Mirasola to Jared was the only combination to yield a positive result.

Then came the live scrimmage portion of the event, which was largely dominated by the defense as it has been all spring. Almost immediately LB David Obadein intercepted Jake Curry, prompting an audible roar from the crowd. 

“We need a full stadium like that every game, every Saturday,” Poore said in response.

The offense wasn’t kept off the scoreboard completely, as late in the night QB ET Harris threw a touchdown to Edward Waters transfer WR Aiden Showers for the only score of the night.

SIU now will have to wait until the summer to take the field again. Fans’ first chance to see them in action in the 2026 season will be Thursday, Aug. 27 in Pensacola, Florida when they take on the newest member of the FCS, the West Florida Argonauts.

Sports Reporter Eli Hoover can be found at [email protected] or on Instagram @hoovermakesart

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