Fresno State Athletics
Defense Shines in Second Football Spring Scrimmage
4/13/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 13, 2002
FRESNO, Calif. - After nearly 90 plays in warm 85 degree temperatures, a pleased Fresno State head coach Pat Hill praised his team for its hard hitting and strong finish. The Bulldogs held their second scrimmage of the spring session at the Valley Growers Practice Field on campus. Nearly 300 fans attended the scrimmage.
"The hitting was good," said Hill. "We were a little sluggish at times because of conditioning and the heat but we finished strong. I liked the way we competed and I liked the way we finished the scrimmage."
Fresno State ran a controlled scrimmage, featuring first down and "compete zone" situations. Next weeks' scrimmage, scheduled for Sunday at 4p.m. at the practice facility, will be comprised of third down and short yardage situations.
"The defense dominated the scrimmage," Hill said. "Last week the offense looked good, this week it was the defense's turn. The offense was hampered because they only had one healthy starting receiver (Deandre Gilbert. But the defense only had one starting lineman (Clarence Denning). We need to get a little tougher at the point of attack but that will come. Overall, I'm very happy with our progress this spring."
Several Bulldogs did not participate in the scrimmage for a variety of reasons. Nick Burley (thumb) went through the practice session but did not scrimmage. Other starters, Bernard Berrian (toe) and Brian Morris (knee), are not participating in spring practice while they rehabilitate their injuries. Receiver Marque Davis suffered a thumb injury in Wednesday's practice and did not scrimmage today. He is expected back at practice on Monday.
Renewal packages for season ticket holders were mailed last week. Fans are urged to use the on-line renewal program through gobulldogs.com. This is a new procedure to make the season ticket renewal process faster and easier for fans. Log on to www.gobulldogs.com for more information. Last season, Fresno State set a school record for average attendance with 42,803 fans per game.
The Bulldogs have one more scrimmage scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium. The spring practice session will conclude April 26 with the annual Spring Game at 6 p.m., also at Bulldog Stadium.
