CHARLESTON, Ill. – On the scoreboard it read Defense 9, Offense 0, but after only 12 plays it was Mother Nature who was the eventual winner as Eastern Illinois football spring game was halted due to lighting and was unable to be resumed due to bad weather in the area.

In the scoring system which allowed the defense to score points for defensive stops, the Panthers defense was able to force one punt, stuffed the offense on a fourth down attempt and registered one 3-and-out.

The spring game was the 15th and final practice allotted by the NCAA so the Panthers next action on the field will be in August when the team reports for two-a-days.

“I feel bad for the players, their families and the EIU fan base that the weather did not cooperate with us tonight,” said head coach Dino Babers.  “We had an intense practice on Thursday night and wanted the spring game to be fun.  I think for the brief time we were on the field our fans saw players who were competing and a taste of the new up-tempo offense.  This is an exciting time for EIU football.”

The Panthers will open the regular season on Thursday, Aug. 30 against in-state rival Southern Illinois.  Kick off will be at 6:30 p.m. at O'Brien Field.  EIU football season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.eiupanthertickets.com or by calling 217-581-2106.