By Quentin Revillard / Staff Writer

The Missouri Valley College football team will take the field at Gregg-Mitchell Field on April 18 for Valley Experience Day. The annual tradition of the intrasquad spring game continues as head coach Laquentin Black prepares his squad for the upcoming season.

The scrimmage is a long-standing tradition for the program and is used both as a preview for the community and as an evaluation tool for coaches as they prepare for the fall season.

Head coach Laquentin Black says the focus goes beyond competition.

 “For us, it’s to continuously make sure we find the right tools as a team, build chemistry and morale, and most importantly keep players safe,” Black said.

The game gives coaches a chance to evaluate players in a live setting, something that can’t be fully replicated in practice.

 “It’s good for us to see how guys handle big moments when the lights get bright,” he said.

Missouri Valley is emphasizing competition at key positions, especially at quarterback and along the line of scrimmage. Situational football, including red zone and late-game scenarios, will also be a point of focus.

For players, the game carries both intensity and meaning, even when competing against teammates.

Junior Caden Crooker said it plays an important role in preparing for the season while continuing a team tradition.

 “It gets you ready for the season and shows people what we’ve been working on over the spring,” Crooker said.

Despite the familiarity, Crooker says the competitive edge remains.

 “At the end of the day, even if we’re going against each other, we’re still a team,” he said.

For junior transfer Ty’waun Clark, the spring game represents an opportunity to prove himself in a new program.

 “I just want to show the coaches that I can play football,” Clark said. “I’m here to compete.”

Clark said adjusting to the program has been a challenge, especially with the increased intensity compared to his previous school.

“Conditioning and working out was really different from my old school,” he said. “But the coaches are always pushing you to be better and letting you know they’re in your corner.”

Despite being new to the team, Clark said he is focused on contributing, especially within the quarterback group.

 “I want our quarterback room to be the best,” he said. “If I’m the starter or not, I want everybody to be ready.”

The spring game is expected to resemble more of a traditional game setting this year, with players potentially being split into drafted teams, adding structure and competition as the Vikings continue preparing for the upcoming season.