LORMAN — Alcorn State defensive coordinator Cedric Thomhas enjoyed his press-box view of the Braves’ defense during the Purple and Gold spring game in Lorman Saturday.

“Six-six, you can’t beat that from a defensive standpoint,” Thomas said.

Thomas’ defenses forced three turnovers in the game — both the purple and gold teams forced one fumble each, and the purple team reeled in a late interception.

Thomas said he kept his defenses focused on fundamentals throughout the spring, working from base formations.

“We wanted guys to be sound on their keys and their reads,” Thomas said. “We’ve been successful defensively because of enthusiasm, but also because of sound fundamentals.”

Both Alcorn defenses combined to hold Braves quarterbacks Lenoris Footman and Deundre Pickett-White to 46 percent and 60 percent passing, respectively. Thomas, however, couldn’t shake his angst over the game’s one big offensive play — a 35-yard touchdown pass from Footman to receiver Ray Anderson deep over the middle.

“I was disappointed in the big play at the end, because that’s just not characteristic of how I coach the secondary,” said Thomas, who was promoted from secondary coach at the end of last season. “We want to keep that ball in front of us.”

Both teams combined to force 13 sacks in the game, which brough a smile to Thomas.

The former secondary coach said the sound defensive play in the game started with the pass rush, which features a slew of returning lettermen.

“That’s the core,” Thomas said of the defensive line. “This year we have pretty much the whole front seven coming back, and that’s going to help those young guys on the back end.”

Thomas said the secondary was well tested by Footman’s strong arm and his ability to “throw receivers open.” Footman’s arm strength allows the Braves’ starting quarterback to squeeze passes in tight windows and, Thomas said.

Brady Smith, a transfer from Northeast Community College, recorded the game’s lone interception when Footman heaved the ball deep down the field on the game’s final play. The ball was underthrown, and Smith faced little contest for the ball, but still Thomas still admired the hands displayed by the incoming standout.

“I want to plug one of those holes from the seniors leaving, so I was excited to see that (about Smith),” Thomas said. “They say you play defensive back because you can’t catch, but he proved it there.”

Thomas’ first spring as Alcorn’s defensive coordinator officially came to a close after the Purple and Gold game. Thomas, who has been a fixture of the defensive coaching staff for the last four seasons, said the transition has been a smooth one.

“It was an easy transition because I’ve been here for four years,” Thomas said. “The title hasn’t really change anything to me. I still got nervous with the smoke going and the band playing.”

The Alcorn defense allowed just 264 passing yards Saturday, and limited the offenses to a 4-for-23 third-down conversion rate.