University of Houston Athletics
Scrimmage Concludes Third Week of Spring Ball
3/27/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 27, 2004
HOUSTON, Texas - With both Kevin Kolb and Kendal Briles running the offense, the University of Houston football team spent an hour-and-a-half in a morning scrimmage on the UH practice fields in preparation for next week's Red-White game. The spring football game will be played on Saturday, April 3, at 11 am at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium, and will officially end the Cougars' annual spring drills.
Despite the lack of high-level intensity - a trademark of his program - UH head coach Art Briles was still pleased with his team's morning performance.
"We got out of (the scrimmage) what we were looking for," commented the second-year head coach. "We didn't ask for a lot of emotion, (and we) didn't ask for a lot full-tilt play, and that is what we got and we are pleased because we accomplished what we set out to do.
"We got a couple of guys banged up, and you never really like that. You have to get those guys ready this summer and be ready to play football this fall. We're fine (as a team), and we're on pace, and now we have to be intelligent on how we handle the rest of spring."
With a scripted scrimmage the Cougars' morning was highlighted by the running game, as junior Anthony Evans and LSU transfer running back Ryan Gilbert scored touchdowns, as did junior wide receiver Josh Hairston on an end around. Both Kolb and Briles hit a multitude of receivers, from juniors Vincent Marshall and Chad McCullar to redshirt freshman Donnie Avery and Bennie Swain.
The defense held their own throughout their scrimmage, holding the Cougar offense several times on third-down attempts. The lone interception was by walk on defensive tackle Ricky Berela, who intercepted a Matt Stanley screen pass.
With one more week of practice before the annual spring game, Briles is looking to shore up just a few more things before practice ends for four months.
"We're still going to work on strength, attitude and effort this next week," added Briles. "We're about as far along scheme-wise as we would like. We'll grow on the field and off the field and continue on."
As mentioned, the Cougars will conclude spring ball with the annual Red-White game on Saturday, April 3, at 11 am. Admittance is free and all fans our encouraged to attend.
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