PHILADELPHIA - The University of Pennsylvania sprint football team welcomed back alums from years past to annual alumni game on Saturday to kick off its 2018 season. The current Quakers defeated the sprint football alumni 33-7.

Freshman Brendan McCaffrey opened the scoring for the Quakers on a 17-yard rush in the first half after Matteo Murgia intercepted Zack DiGregorio C'18. Aidan Kelly extended the lead after hauling in a 32 yard pass from Eddie Jenkins later in the half. 

The alumni team quickly responded with a 32-yard pass of its own, DiGregorio finding Henry Mason C'16. At halftime the current Quakers held a slim 13-7 lead. 

The current Quakers came out strong in the second half. Aaron Johnson forced a fumble on a QB sack and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown. Freshman Connor Reed entered the game at quarterback and tossed a six-yard touchdown to fellow freshman Sam Mintz, extending the Quakers lead on the alumni to 20 points. 

The alumni began to show fatigue as junior Josh McBriar gained an interception on the alumni's subsequent drive following Mintz's touchdown. The Quakers stormed down the field, and Billy Murphy caught a 22 yard touchdown pass from Jenkins. 

Jenkins led the team in passing, going 12-14 for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Connor showed some skill at quarterback as well, throwing an efficient 5-6 for 46 yards and one touchdown. 

The sprint football alumni weekend included an alumni mentoring panel which took place on Friday, and a barbecue which followed the game on Franklin Field. 

Penn sprint football starts its season next Saturday, Sept 15 at 7:10 pm as they travel to Mansfield. The Quakers went 6-2 last year and won the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL) South Division Championship. They lost narrowly to Army in the inaugural CSFL Championship Game, 10-0.