Apr 13, 2003 By Stephen Flinn For The 4 min read

PITTSBURGH – The Gold Squad defeated the Blue Squad, 31-21, in Pittsburgh’s annual Blue-Gold Scrimmage on Saturday in front of approximately 5,000 fans at Martorelli Stadium in the North Hills. The scrimmage marks the end of spring practice for the Panthers. “I thought we had a good scrimmage today and we enjoyed playing our spring game on this field,” Pittsburgh head coach Walt Harris said. “I though we had a good crowd and everybody seemed excited for the start of next year.”

Returning starting quarterback Rod Rutherford completed only 6 passes on 9 attempts for 68 yards and no touchdowns, and also lost a fumble during the scrimmage, he is still the clear frontrunner for the starting position next season.

“Even though I didn’t have a real good scrimmage today, I think I had a good spring overall,” Rutherford said. “Obviously, Larry (Fitzgerald) is our go-to guy and he wasn’t here today, but I still think we have a good group of wide receivers and we should all be ready to step up next season.”

Fitzgerald had to travel home to Minnesota for a family matter. In his absence, Billy Gaines led all receivers after catching 5 passes for 109 yards and one touchdown. He also ran two reverses and picked up 51 yards.

Two quarterbacks played for the Gold Squad, sophomore Tyler Palko and red-shirt freshman Luke Getsy, as both are battling for the backup spot behind Rutherford.

Palko completed 12 passes on 29 attempts and 1 touchdown. He started on fire but lost focus late in the scrimmage and threw 2 interceptions. One of his interceptions was returned 76 yards by defensive back Corey Humphries.

Palko was the leading rusher in the game though, gaining 74 yards and running in one touchdown.

“I think I did some good things today, but I still need to step up my game a few more notches,” Palko said. “I think I am continuing to improve, and that is what I’m striving for, and I don’t worry about anybody else, I just watch my own back door step.”

Getsy was not as flashy as Palko, especially on the ground, as he completed 9 passes on 13 attempts for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns, but he did not throw an interception.

“I made some mistakes today and during spring in general, but I also think I have come a long way since I have been here,” Getsy said. “Nobody is perfect, we all make mistakes, but overall, I think I played okay today.”

Harris felt all his quarterbacks have improved over last year, but still expects a great deal of improvement, especially in the area of turnovers.

“I think Luke (Getsy) is a real good player, but his lack of playing time with the first squad last year showed a little this spring,” Harris said. “I think Tyler (Palko) and Luke are both good football players, so that’s going to be a real competitive battle this upcoming preseason.”

Brandon Miree did not have much to prove during the scrimmage after turning in a good spring and earning the clear frontrunner position for the starting spot next season. He ran five times for 26 yards and banged in 1 touchdown in the scrimmage.

A host of other running backs joined the fray during the scrimmage including Raymond Kirkley, who gained 41 yards on 10 carries, and Jawan Walker, who gained 37 yards on 11 carries.

The winners of the Ed Conway Award, given to the most-improved offensive and defensive players in the spring, were wide receiver Chris Curd, defensive back Bernard “Josh” Lay and walk-on linebacker Malcolm Pinder.

Curd is playing his fourth position at Pitt after playing linebacker and defensive back, then tight end. He felt his experience on defense is now paying dividends as it contributed to his ability on offense to better read the defenses that are now defending him.

“I think my past experiences on the field are all coming together now,” Curd said. “I was proud to win this award because it meant I have stepped my game up to another level and the coaches recognized all the hard work I have put in.”

Linebacker Azzie Beagnyam, starred for the defense with 10 tackles, included 7 unassisted tackles, 2 tackles for losses and 1 sack. Defensive back Marcus Furman, who was recently moved from offense, sat out the game after undergoing hip surgery last week. He is expected to be ready for next season, which opens on September 6 against Kent State at Heinz Field.

“We have to fill 5 gaps on defense and 3 gaps on offense, and I can’t say anybody stepped up enough to claim any of those spots yet this spring,” Harris said. “We’re looking forward to a real good, competitive camp before next season.”