A battle of the backups quickly rose to the forefront of the action when the Augusta Colts played host to the Mississippi Mudcats Saturday night in James Brown Arena.
The Colts' final game of the regular season saw Augusta reserve quarterback Brandon Satcher and Mississippi Mudcats rookie signal caller Aries Nelson get thrown into the spotlight.
Satcher, who took over for starter Mike Rathe after Rathe was benched by head coach Bubba Diggs this week, started in only his third game this season. Nelson, in for starter Tommy Jones after Jones followed his three coaches in resigning on Thursday over a contract dispute, had thrown five passes all season.
Nelson won the matchup, and the Mudcats won the game 36-21. Nelson struck for three touchdown passes and didn't throw a single interception. Satcher threw two picks and fumbled three times to produce the home team's lowest offensive output of the season.
Diggs said he didn't regret his decision to bench Rathe, who averaged five touchdown passes and 225.8 yards passing per game.
"I wanted to give some reps to a guy who's been in practice every day and been here every week," Diggs said. "He deserved it."
Rathe, who watched from the bench in his jersey and a pair of khaki shorts, said he was fully healthy and ready to play but respected his coach's decision.
"If you're not upset about something like this, then you shouldn't be playing," Rathe said. "It was tough watching, but Satcher came in and battled."
Satcher's two touchdown passes, including a stunning scramble to escape several would-be tacklers to find an open Anthony Young from 19 yards out to end the first half trailing 18-13, weren't enough offense to stop the team tied for the best record in the American Indoor Football Association.
Despite the absence of three coaches and two key starters, the Mudcats (12-1) were able to produce thanks to Nelson's work at quarterback and receiver Darryl Carter's play calling. The Mississippi defense didn't hurt either.
"They came together like nothing I've ever seen," Mississippi interim head coach William McCarthy said.
Reach Billy Byler at (706) 823-3216 or billy.byler@augustachronicle.com.
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