The Sidney Sun-Telegraph - Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

You know you're playing in a spring exhibition when you forget your team allegiances.

Adrian Martinez, the starting quarterback for the Red team in Nebraska's annual Red-White Spring Game on Saturday, celebrated with triumph on the sideline when back-up quarterback Matt Masker completed a 55-yard touchdown pass to Wyatt Liewer.

One problem, though.

Masker played for the White team.

"I kind of realized it midway through," Martinez said sheepishly. "I was running down the sideline and I was like, 'Oh man, maybe I shouldn't be doing this.' I tried to play it both ways. It was tough."

Martinez offered an explanation that made sense when all five guys in green jerseys posed for a group photo after the Red team's 24-13 victory on a sunny, breezy afternoon at Memorial Stadium.

"We root for each other in all cases," Martinez said. "I'm definitely thankful to be a part of such a special group."

Quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco had family members in attendance and introduced them to the quarterbacks after the game.

"And they fit right in," Martinez said. "We just feel like a family. It's a special bond that we all share."

Martinez, who went 5-of-9 passing for 110 yards and a touchdown in playing five series, has a stranglehold, obviously, on the starting position entering fall camp. However, backups are pushing him in a manner we didn't see this time a year ago.

Noah Vedral, the UCF transfer and Wahoo native, went 13-of-19 passing for 144 yards for the Red team. Incoming freshman Luke McCaffrey dazzled with his speed. Masker contributed with his long strike.

"I think we have better depth, I think we have better talent, and we're going to have a little more experience," Nebraska coach Scott Frost said. "We were as young as you could be last year at that spot by the time the season hit. Adrian is clearly a top player in the entire country. Noah did some really good things today, and that's what we've been seeing all spring."

Frost said Vedral would be the No. 2 quarterback if the season began today (April 14).