LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Team Gray (defense) rallied to defeat Team White (offense), 64-53, in Saturday's annual UNLV Football Spring Showcase before a crowd of 3,500 at Allegiant Stadium.

With teams earning points from all big plays on each side of the ball, new Rebel quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams threw three touchdowns on the day, an eight-yarder to tight end Kaleo Ballungay, a 29-yarder to Corey Thompson Jr. and a 79-yard catch and sprint by true freshman wideout Damien "Jackpot" McDaniel. Also, veteran signal-caller Cameron Friel found rookie local tight end product Jae Beasley II out of Liberty High School for an 11-yard score.

The day's defensive highlights included an interception return for a touchdown by Jah'Von Grigsby (which added 12 points to Team Gray's total) and a fourth-quarter strip sack that forced a fumble recovered by the defense.

Head coach Barry Odom met with the media on the field immediately following the action, which closed the book on the 2023 Mountain West Coach of the Year's second spring practice in Las Vegas.

"Excited about the body of work our kids have put in, not only during the 15 practices but also on the non-practice days – the lifting, the meetings and the walk-throughs. We didn't show much on either side today as far as schematics go, but the things we're able to do, especially on offense -- we'll be able to showcase and find ways to get our playmakers the ball out in space, whether it's in the run game or pass game.

"Defensively, we held out a couple guys on defense today who I think will be impact players for us. We addressed some needs in the secondary with some different body sizes and length. Excited about the progress our front seven has made on that side of the ball."

Before the game, the crowd cheered the introduction of the 1984 UNLV football team, which reunited 40 years later this weekend with more than 45 former players on hand. Led by head coach Harvey Hyde, the '84 Rebels became the first in program history to win a conference championship and earn a bowl trip, defeating Toledo in the California Bowl in Fresno.



Following the scrimmage, Rebel players manned tables on the field to sign autographs and take photos with fans, who also had the opportunity to snap shots with the famed Fremont Cannon and beloved Island Showdown golden pineapple trophy.

Odom, meanwhile, was already looking forward to what is next for a team coming off a historic nine-win season.

"Now we have four weeks to be in the weight room before finals start," said Odom. "Then we'll get into summer ball and before we know it we'll be in fall camp ready to go. I'm excited about this team, they've been a fun group to coach. We'll keep building and stay on the mission to win a championship. With strong conviction I know that we are building something really special."