MOORHEAD - Kendall Hendon flashed his playmaking flair early in Thursday's Minnesota State Moorhead football scrimmage.
The senior wide receiver from San Jose, Calif., snatched a short pass and turned that into a 65-yard touchdown at Alex Nemzek Stadium.
"I think Kendall has separated himself as a guy who can make big plays," MSUM head coach Steve Laqua said. "He has shown to be an explosive wide receiver for us. I'm excited about the dynamic that he brings."
Thursday's scrimmage marked the final spring practice for MSUM, the first with Laqua as head coach. Laqua was hired in January, taking over a program that posted 2-9 records in each of the past three seasons.
"I think we are light years ahead of where we were coming out that first (spring) practice, both fundamentally and schematically," Laqua said. "I think people are going to see a different brand of football than what we've had around here for quite some time."
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Hendon, who also caught a 28-yard touchdown in the scrimmage, feels there was a different feel this spring with Laqua as head coach.
"This spring the intensity is higher than before," Hendon said. "Everyone is just working hard. All the coaches are pushing us. Everyone has that chip on their shoulder. ... We have really improved on our discipline. Everyone seems like they are on the same page ... and that's helped us go forward."
The Dragons defense also made its share of big plays, causing numerous turnovers. Linebacker Brad Hauer of Hutchinson, Minn., picked off a deflected pass and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown on the third possession.
The Dragons are in the midst of transitioning to a 3-4 defense after playing in a 4-3 system last fall. Hauer likes the direction the team is headed.
"There is a totally different vibe this spring. They (new coaches) came in with that energy," Hauer said. "The main thing is we're attacking now and getting to the ball every play and making sure we do the right things every play."
Kevin Koch, the Dragons starting quarterback from Elmhurst, Ill., had three touchdowns passes during the scrimmage and also let the offense 95-yard touchdown drive.
"We're excited and we just can't wait to get back in the fall," said Koch, the Dragons starter at QB last fall, too. "I think we just took a large step to what direction we want to go in. I think spring ball was a great success this year."
Koch likes the healthy competition the team has developed this spring.
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"We're fighting every play, every inch," Koch said. "That is how we have to grow as a team to get better."
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