Huskie football players woke up early Saturday morning—early enough to be at Huskie Stadium by 7 a.m.

The occasion was the first Saturday scrimmage of the spring season.

“This was the best first-Saturday scrimmage this school has had in a long time,” coach Jerry Pettibone said. “The number of mistakes were fewer than any other first scrimmage.”

Players agreed with Pettibone.

“I was pleased with the offense,” defensive tackle Ted Hennings said. “They showed confidence—more so than last spring.”

“We (the offense) had a few pass plays that looked good,” said first-string quarterback Stacey Robinson, “and the double option worked good.”

Both players also had positive remarks about the Huskie defense.

“The defense is solid,” Robinson said. “The first (-string) defense is real solid.”

“The defense is still tough,” Hennings said. “Nobody was slacking off. I thought some of the younger guys would take spring ball for granted, but they aren’t.”

Most of the faces should look familiar to those practicing. The offense has nine starters returning from last fall (only halfback Rodney Taylor and quarterback Marshall Taylor are gone) and the defense has seven back (linebackers Mike Hollingshed, Mike Higgins, Mike Manson and cornerback Randall Townsel have departed.)

“It’s obvious to me that a number of returning players are experienced,” Pettibone said. “They understand how to go about things better and get things done.

“We don’t have any new schemes on offense or defense. The guys are used to running the wishbone offense and the 4-4 defense.”

Senior quarterback hopeful James Darby sprained his ankle during Saturday’s scrimmage, and defensive lineman Brad Capes suffered ligament damage to his right knee at Friday’s practice. The extent of each injury will not be known until later in the week.

“The fewer injuries are a sign of a team in good condition,” Pettibone said. “The seven weeks of winter conditioning at the Rec Center and here at the stadium have paid off. I’m pleased with that.”