Washington, Hill shine at T-Day game

Tevin Washington secured his spot as Georgia Tech’s No. 2 quarterback by leading the White team to four touchdowns in Saturday’s 27-7 win over the Gold team in the T-Day game at Bobby Stadium.

The game was called at halftime because of rain, but not before Washington ran for three scores and completed a 70-yard pass to wide receiver Stephen Hill for another.

“We’re just trying to get better, that’s all we’re trying to do,” said Hill, who robbed Dominique Reese of an interception when he wrestled the ball away from him at the 5-yard line on an earlier drive.

Tech used play-action on the long score. As Hill ran by cornerback Mario Butler and past safety Isaiah Johnson, he said he could hear coach Paul Johnson yelling, “Throw the ball.” Butler said there was a miscommunication on the play call by the defense, which is still learning the 3-4 system being put in by defensive coordinator Al Groh.

Washington, and redshirt freshmen Jordan Luallen and David Sims competed in the spring to be the No. 2 behind Joshua Nesbitt, who sat out the practices after having minor surgery on his ankle.

Washington and Sims had the most success on Saturday, with Sims leading the Gold team to their only touchdown, a 13-yard run by A-back Orwin Smith on an option play. Sims also used his running ability to scamper for a first down on a third-and-eight play earlier in the drive.

Washington said he hopes to use this momentum to push Nesbitt for meaningful snaps when the fall practices begin in August.

“That’s everybody’s goal,” Washington said. “I don’t think anybody comes to college to be a back-up.”

Overall, the offenses combined for 350 yards (274 by the White), including 122 passing (all by the White). Anthony Allen led all rushers with 91 yards on 15 carries. Hill led the receivers with three catches for 105 yards. Unlike the previous two T-Day games, there were no turnovers.

“Guys are getting more used to what they’re doing,” Johnson said.

That’s true on both sides on the ball. On defense, outside linebacker Anthony Egbuniwe and inside linebacker Brad Jefferson made a few tackles on Saturday as they continue to adjust to new schemes, new philosophies and new lingo.

“We still have a lot of things to work on to be sure, but I saw some positive things out there today,” Johnson said. “The best news is that no one got injured.”