Half a pizza and a drink for Northwestern football after spring scrimmage

David Pierce made the first tough decision of his head coaching career Thursday night at District Three Stadium.

The longtime Trojans assistant coach, promoted to the head job when Clemson hired his predecessor, Kyle Richardson, decided to let the white-shirted offensive unit get pizza first after the team’s spring football scrimmage.

“It wasn’t super popular,” said Pierce, grinning. “As a defensive coach I’ve just been called a traitor, but I believe they scored, in my opinion.”

The defending state champs’ No. 1 offensive and defensive units went head to head only briefly on a warm Thursday night, but both took turns flashing ability. Returning quarterback Gage Moloney connected with rising sophomore receiver Jamario Holley for a couple of long catch-and-run touchdowns, while running back Dequez Harris looked strong running with most of the first team reps. Standout Jerry Howard didn’t dress out.

On defense, linebacker Caliph Brice was all over the field, covering Holley in the slot on several occasions and offering strong run support on others. Safety Ali Shockley also laid a couple of heavy licks during the hour-long scrimmage.

Throughout it, Pierce paced the field. It was the first spring scrimmage he’s worked where he wasn’t focused solely on the defensive line.

“I told my coaches I wasn’t gonna micro-manage, so I let them do it,” said Pierce. “I’m trying to make a role for myself not coaching a position. But my coaches did a great job.”

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 8:48 PM with the headline "Half a pizza and a drink for Northwestern football after spring scrimmage."