SLIPPERY ROCK - With few offensive linemen in camp and the search for a No. 2 quarterback on, footballs were flying Friday night at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium.

The Slippery Rock University football team ended its spring practice period with the annual Green and White game, which the White (offense) won 24-17.

"We only had eight offensive linemen dressed tonight, so we can't do much with the running game right now," SRU coach George Mihalik said. "We wanted to see how our backup quarterbacks looked, so we had them play in live game conditions."

Of the three quarterbacks who saw action, only starter Nate Crookshank was not allowed to be hit.

Jonathan Molnar completed two of nine passes for 51 yards, including a 42-yard bomb to Nick Carimi that set up a field goal.

Ryan Hart completed seven of 10 passes for 88 yards and engineered a touchdown drive.

"I'd say Ryan took a couple of steps forward tonight," Mihalik said.

While the offense scored points the conventional way, The Rock defense was awarded three points each for three takeaways, three points for a blocked field goal and a point each for five forced punts.

Jim D'Amico and Matt Fontana had interceptions. Mike White, Cory Lacek and Josh Zeisloft had quarterback sacks.

"We're very young on defense. We lost a lot," said SRU defensive coordinator Jay Foster. "I was particularly pleased with our defensive line tonight. They did a good job of keeping Crookshank contained in the pocket.

"Bryan Godfrey, Jesse Kelley, Mike Jennings - we lost a lot of talent up front. But these other guys showed me some good things tonight."

Starting linebacker Bill Lamb and defensive back James Rockymore were not available this spring because of injuries.

On offense, SRU linemen Ryan Travis and Mike Butterworth missed spring ball with injuries and three-year starter Noah Richards quit the team. Tight end Steve Fullerton, a Seneca Valley grad, has been out with a lower back problem.

"Our line is banged up and we don't have the depth we're used to having there," Mihalik said. "Ryan Travis is moving to center next season. Pat Oester made that move last year, but he had spring ball to help make the adjustment.

"Ryan's not going to have that luxury."

Before the start of Friday's game, a moment of silence was observed for SRU sophomore defensive lineman Nathan Morris, who was killed Monday in a motorcycle accident in Cambria County.

Morris had received the George Mihalik Sr. Memorial Scholarship two years ago, given annually to a recruit from Cambria County.

SRU is coming off consecutive 4-7 seasons. It opens the 2005 campaign Aug. 27 at Bloomsburg.

Green 6 3 7 2-17White 0 14 3 7-24Second QuarterBryan Dodds 1 run (Ryan Daniel kick), 10:43Josh Kniess 1 run (Daniel kick), 2:22Third QuarterDaniel 38 field goal, :00Fourth QuarterRemeek Flowers 2 run (Daniel kick), 4:49Individual StatisticsPassing: Nate Crookshank 3-11-39-0, Jonathan Molnar 2-9-51-1, Ryan Hart 7-10-88-1.Rushing: Josh Kniess 5-8, Bryan Dodds 14-70, Jonathan Molnar 3-(-7), Nate Crookshank 2-26, Corey Manfull 4-21, Ryan Hart 2-16, Remeek Flowers 6-34.Receiving: Frank Cremonese 2-26, A.J. Ruperto 1-4, Jordan Sweany 1-14, Colin Golden 2-22, John Benca 1-21, Paul Favers 1-19, Nick Carimi 1-42, Ross Hornish 1-8, Josh Prigorac 2-22.