Early concerns about the Cowboy offense were put to rest at least for one day Saturday.

McNeese State’s first team scored six times in the annual spring game for a 38-21 victory by the White over the Blue.

Made up of mostly starters, the White were forced to start from two touchdowns down but had erased that by the end of the first quarter.

“We came out of it health, so all went well,” said McNeese head coach Gary Goff. “I was pleased with all of spring.”

All eyes were on the battle at quarterback where both of the contenders had their share of good and bad moments. Transfers Tre’ Simmons and Nate Glantz each threw interceptions but also had a pair of touchdown passes.

“Tre did some great things, Nate did some great things,” said Goff. 

Glantz finished 10 of 16 for 111 yards while Simmons went 8 of 15 for 140. Glantz hit Jonathan Harris on an 8-yard scoring pass to start the day and then found Jalen Johnson for a 17-yard score.

Simmons had a 75-yarder to D’aneglo Durham on a screen pass that went the distance. Durham broke a tackle early and then raced down the left sideline just before the half.

Simmons had a 31-yard scoring strike to a wide-open Johnson in the fourth.

Johnson was the big weapon for a team looking for a star receiver. 

“Jalen finished the spring like he has been the entire time,” said Goff. “He has worked really hard and had a nice day.”

The redshirt sophomore had five catches for 76 yards to go with his two scores. He also had a run for another 27.

“I put my best effort forward and wanted to step it up,” said Johnson. “Second year around the offense and is sure is different.”

The White team finished with 431 yards on 52 plays and five touchdowns. They ended with a 52-yard field goal from kicker Garrison Smith.

Josh Parker led the rushing attack with 50 yards on four carries while Simmons had 47 on one run. Coleby Hamm, a transfer who started his career at Air Force, finished with 32 yards on six carries and a five-yard scoring run.

“We have great runners of the football,” said Parker. “We have five guys able to run the ball. 

“We took a big step today, but we have more steps to take.”

The only Blue score came on Jerome Robinson’s 30-yard interception return off a Glantz throw. Robinson had two interceptions and forced a fumble.

“Jerome had a really good spring and has worked extremely hard,” said Goff. “He has shown what he can do.”

The White defense allowed just 128 yards on 31 plays.