DEFENSE DEFEATS OFFENSE, 44-28, IN ANNUAL GREEN-GOLD GAME 5/6/2007 SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento State defense forced three turnovers, including one for a touchdown, in its 44-28 win over the offense in the annual Green-Gold Game on Saturday at Hornet Stadium. The game, which was played in front of an estimated crowd of nearly 700, served as the final team practice during the spring season for the Hornets. During the game, both the offense and defense were awarded points for various accomplishments, including from one point for a first down, three points for a tackle-for-loss, and six points for a touchdown. Freshman Jason Smith began the game at quarterback and picked up one first down before the drive stalled on the next series. Tim Bessolo then took over under center and led the offense to a pair of first downs, both coming on Bessolo sneaks on fourth down. Senior Crosby Wehr was the third signal caller to take the field. Wehr’s first pass went for a 13-yard gain to tight end Ray Navar for a first down. However, the defense recorded a TFL and Lamont Butler sacked Wehr two plays later to end the drive. The biggest play of the game came in the offense’s sixth drive. On 3rd-and-9, Bessolo had a poor exchange with the center on the snap. The ball was loose on the ground and was kicked before being scooped up by Butler who ran 30 yards for a defensive touchdown. That play gave the defense 10 points and built an insurmountable advantage. After a pair of punts and a failed fourth down attempt, the offense began its comeback. Wehr hit Tyler Fanucchi or a 13-yard pass on the first play of the drive. Two plays later, the pair hooked up for a 45-yard gain, giving the offense five points. On the play, Fanucchi caught the ball in traffic and then broke a pair of tackles to place the ball inside the 10-yard line. The unit scored its first touchdown on a 6-yard pass from Wehr to freshman Ronald Richardson. KC Patterson guided the offense during a long final drive. The offense moved the ball down the field before Seth McDaniels fumbled near the 20-yard line. The ball was gathered up by linebacker Scott Dumont, who returned it near midfield. However, Dumont also fumbled at the end of the play and the ball was recovered by the offense. After regrouping, the drive continued to move behind the rushing of  McDaniels. The game ended when running back James Johnson was stood up and stripped by cornerback Craig King for the final points of the game. McDaniels led the offense with 59 rushing yards while Fanucchi added five receptions for 85 yards. Sacramento State will begin its regular season on Sept. 1 at Fresno State. For season ticket information, contact the Sacramento State Athletic Ticket Office at (916) 278-2222.