CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson conducted its annual Orange vs. White Spring Game on Saturday, with the White team scoring 14 unanswered second-half points to overcome a 13-0 halftime deficit for a 14-13 victory.

Wide Receivers Coach Tyler Grisham earned the victory as acting head coach of the White team, defeating the Orange squad led by Defensive Ends Coach Lemanski Hall.

The contest provided the public its first look at Clemson’s 2021 squad, which completed its 15-session spring practice schedule as the Tigers prepare to seek a seventh consecutive ACC Championship this year. Seven more signees from Clemson’s 2021 recruiting class will arrive to join the team this summer in advance of fall camp in August.

The Orange squad opened the scoring on the game’s opening drive, as quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei engineered an 8-play, 73-yard drive that culminated in a 14-yard touchdown pass to midyear enrollee Beaux Collins, Uiagalelei’s former high school teammate at St. John Bosco in California.

The Orange team added to its lead in the final minute of the first half when placekicker B.T. Potter converted on a 54-yard field goal. The kick exceeded his official career long of 52 yards and gave the Orange squad a 10-0 lead at the break.

Potter added another field goal early in the third quarter to push the score to 13-0. The White team responded with its first points of the day early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Taisun Phommachanh connected with wide receiver Ajou Ajou on a 16-yard scoring pass.

The White team took its first lead with 1:58 remaining in the game, as running back Phil Mafah’s four-yard touchdown run capped an 11-play, 70-yard game-winning drive. The White team defense forced a turnover on downs on the ensuing drive to seal the victory.

Collectively, the two defenses combined to produce three takeaways on the day. Cornerback Sheridan Jones, who had a pick-six in his Spring Game debut two years ago, recorded the game’s first takeaway, recovering a fumbled lateral. Safety R.J. Mickens (Orange) and linebacker Sergio Allen (White) each added an interception for their respective teams.

The units also combined for 11 sacks, including six by the White team and five by the Orange team. Safety Tyler Venables led the White squad with 3.5 sacks, while defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro paced the Orange squad with 2 sacks.

Sophomore quarterback Hunter Helms of Gray Collegiate Academy took snaps with both the Orange and White teams. He finished 11-16 for 88 yards and an interception and is expected to move up the depth chart fol lowing the Achilles heel injury to Taisun Phommachanh.

During the preseason, Helms unofficially threw a team-high 7 touchdown passes.

Clemson will open the 2021 season against Georgia on Saturday, Sept. 4 in Charlotte. Clemson will return to Death Valley for its home opener a week later when it plays host to South Carolina State on Sept. 11.

Catriez, Kelly have solid games

It was a productive day for a pair of former All-Chronicle players in college spring football.

Running back Catriez Cook of Gilbert High School rushed for 75 yards, includng a 28-yard touchdown in Newberry’s 55-14 win over Erskine.

In 5 games with the Wolves, the 2016 Lexington Chronicle Co-Player of the Year is 2nd on the team in rushing (248) with 2 touchdowns. Newberry (4-1) closes out the spring at 6 pm Saturday at home against Wingate.

In Montgomery, Ala, defensive back Zafir Kelly of Irmo High School had 2 interceptions and 6 tackles for South Carolina State in the 14-7 win over Alabama State.

Kelly’s picks helped the Bulldogs maintain a 7-0 lead through most of the game. After the Hornets tied it, quarterback Corey Fields led SC State on a 7-play, 59-yard scoring drive to win the game on a 17-yard touchdown pass to Saquan Davis with 1:17 left.

The Bulldogs (2-2) close out spring football April 17 at Delaware State at 6 pm.