Buffs Close Spring With Energetic Black and Gold Game at Folsom Field

BOULDER — Head coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes wrapped up spring practice Saturday with an energetic Black and Gold Game in front of the Buffs faithful at Folsom Field.

The Gold team, led by quarterback Julian Lewis, opened the game with the day's lone touchdown, capping the first drive with a scoring pass to newcomer Danny Scudero Jr.. The Black team answered with two field goals from Josh McCormick to set the final at 7-6.

While the score remained tight, Coach Prime emphasized the evaluation aspect of the spring finale.

"In life, you accomplish things, but you still need to better yourself in a multitude of areas," Coach Prime said. "The hardest thing to measure in a spring game is if the offense does well, the defense is not doing well and vice versa. The main thing is you do not want to get anybody hurt."

Lewis showed increased command of the offense, something Coach Prime pointed to as progress following 15 spring practices.

"He was a lot better," Coach Prime said. "That comes with comfort in the playbook and communication. That was the first time the coaches were fully communicating in a game setting."

The early touchdown connection with Scudero highlighted growing chemistry within offensive coordinator Brennan Marion system.

"We have a lot of speed at receiver," Coach Prime said. "Guys who can get vertical and move the chains."

For Scudero, the connection is still developing and that is what excites him most.

"We are not there yet, and we should not be," Scudero said. "That is what excites me. We are doing good now, and I am excited to see how good it can get."

One of the biggest areas of growth this spring has come on special teams, where collaboration across the staff has elevated the unit.

"It has been great," punter Damon Greaves said of the coaching approach. "Every coach has been involved and wants us to perform at our best. Because of that, special teams is going to be a strong part of this team."

Greaves also pointed to the overall chemistry within the roster as a key difference.

"The environment feels really good around the team right now," he said. "We have guys who are hungry from last year and new guys who want to prove themselves. When you combine that, you get a competitive and hungry team."

Improving the run game remains a priority, beginning with development along the offensive line.

"I feel like each year the offensive line has gotten better," Coach Prime said. "That is the hardest position to recruit, but we have eight or nine guys who can start. That competition is going to enhance the running game."

Scudero continued to stand out throughout the spring, earning praise for both production and consistency.

"I do not think he has missed a day of practice," Coach Prime said. "He has not had a loaf. He comes to play and to win every day. He is the standard in that room."

That approach has translated to his role within the locker room.

"With the guys in that room, it does not feel like a challenge," Scudero said. "Everybody is pushing everybody. You hold each other to a standard, and it makes football fun."

Defensively, Mojo Williams Jr. provided the final highlight with an interception on the last play.

"I told myself I had to get one before I left," Williams said. "I trusted myself and made the play."

For Greaves, development goes beyond physical reps, with a strong emphasis on the mental side of the game.

"It is a very mental position," Greaves said. "I do sessions to stay in a good space and execute at my best."

He added that continued growth in that area remains a priority.

"It is something I want to continue to grow and something I have done consistently for a while," Greaves said. "Those sessions are an important part of my position."

The spring game provided clarity as the Buffaloes transition into summer workouts.

"We know what we have," Coach Prime said. "We know what we need to work on. Guys understand where they stand."

Greaves echoed that focus heading into the offseason.

"For me, it is about consistency and putting the team in the best position possible," he said. "If I do that, we are going to have good results."

With additional players arriving this summer, Coach Prime is confident in the program's trajectory.

"We are going to make it better," Coach Prime said. "I like where we are."

New additions have quickly bought into the culture and expectations inside the program.

"I am all in," Williams said. "Whatever it takes to win, that is what I am on."

Scudero echoed that mindset.

"I want to win," he said. "That is why I came here."

The Buffs will break for the final days of the semester, then return for summer workouts in preparation for fall practice and the 2026 season.

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