PHILADELPHIA – It was a special day for the University of Pennsylvania sprint football team on Saturday afternoon as the Quakers kicked off its 2021 season with their annual alumni game at Franklin Field.

Prior to the start of action, Penn recognized Sprint Football Head Coach Emeritus Bill Wagner with the unveiling of a plaque at Franklin Field for his tremendous impact on the program over five decades.

Wags, suited up in his number 12, said a few words to the group before playing the opening drive for the alumni under center.

In the most competitive contest in recent memory, the varsity team edged the alumni, 27-20, thanks to a great defensive stand on the final drive of the game late in the fourth quarter.

Senior RB Laquan McKever ran for 144 yards and one touchdown on 24 carries, while junior QB Andrew Paolini passed for 150 yards and accounted for two TDs (one through the air and one on the ground). McKever also racked up 31 receiving yards on a trio of catches and senior Brendan McCafferty had 59 yards receiving and a TD.

On the defensive side of the ball, the current Quakers forced three turnovers and recorded four sacks. Junior LB Lewis Evans had six tackles on the day and he also intercepted a pass in the third quarter. Junior DB Davis Buchanan also picked off a pass, while senior Sam Mintz had a pick-six late in the second quarter.

For the alumni, Eddie Jenkins passed for 197 yards and a TD, while Barry Klein had 117 yards receiving, highlighted by a 60-yard TD reception.

The Quakers open the 2021 season on Friday, September 17,  with a road contest at Army.