UNC Mirror

Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Felicia Sheumaker The University of Northern Colorado football team plays in the annual Blue and Gold Scrimmage Saturday on the Butler-Hancock athletic fields as the finale of the team's spring practices. The Bears will begin their season against Purdue on Sept. 6 in West Lafayette, Ind.

University of Northern Colorado football fans got a preview of what to expect from the Bears in the 2008 season at the annual spring Blue and Gold Scrimmage on Saturday.

All incoming freshmen got their first taste of what college football is all about and what is expected from them in the season to come.

On offense, junior quarterback Bryan Waggener recently transferred from the University of Florida, started the game with the starting offense and threw a 38-yard pass to junior tight end Ryan Chesla. Later in the scrimmage, Waggener hit junior wide receiver Jason Caprioli for a 13-yard touchdown.

"The defense and the offense played really well today," Waggener said. "The defense kicked our butts. I would have like to play better myself, but I have time to improve."

The running backs had an impressive day, as well. Incoming freshman Nigel Nelson rushed for 46 yards on 16 carries, sophomore Tyrone Wilson gained 40 yards from nine rushes and junior David Woods gathered 34 yards after eight carries.

The Bears will have a challenging start in the 2008 season, playing teams such as Purdue, Texas State and UC Davis. Head Coach Scott Downing is confident that his players can and will accept the challenge.

"We have a lot of work left before the season starts," Downing said. "I was pleased today in what I saw, especially how our young players stepped up. We are going to play hard in our aggressive season and be at the top of the Big Sky Conference at the end of the season."

Assistant Coach and Defensive Line Coach Sean Dunaway is also confident in the effort he saw in his players and how that will reflect on the 2008 season.

"The defense kept the offense out of the red zone and end zone, forcing them to field goals," Dunaway said. "As for the season, it will be challenging, but we will have a long road ahead of us before we compete against Purdue."

Waggener said he couldn't make a fair assessment about the team since he just arrived from Florida.

"We're pretty confident," Waggener said. "This is my first year with this team, so I don't know what to expect from this conference. I do know that we will not give up."

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