The University of Arkansas At Pine Bluff football team went through an intense full scrimmage Saturday morning at Golden Lion Stadium.

Big plays on both sides of the ball and solid special teams highlight the session in a steady, consistent rainfall.

"The biggest thing is we got out healthy," said second-year head coach Cedric Thomas. "When you go to sleep the night before, you hope and pray that everyone comes out good, and we got out healthy. I was excited about the offense, which bounced back after a tough day Friday which wasn't one of their better days. They came out today and made some explosive plays, and the initial execution from watching was pretty good.

"The defense started slow but made some plays as it went on. We didn't get off the field as well as we should on third down, but when you are going against a good offense, that will happen, and you have to make adjustments. The defense made a big play and that got them going, and we had some good aspects of the kicking game. We'll go back and look at the film and get a better assessment."

Coaches are always looking to script game situations in any number of ways. The element which is always out their control is weather. This morning's rain which was constant throughout the scrimmage provided Thomas' team with another possible game factor this season.

"That was awesome," Thomas said of today's rain. "I always tell the players somewhat jokingly we won't cancel practice as long as you're here. We're going to get out in the rain, sleet, snow, shine, and all that the elements that weather will allow us to. The guys were ready to fly around and make some plays. That's a testament to them and wanting to be out here and work and have fun. We were excited to get it in, because we're going to have to play in the rain at some point. I thought they handled the elements well."

The full scrimmage, which included a halftime to work on playing after the midgame break, allowed the Golden Lions to go through some of the game elements in advance of the season opener at TCU three weeks from today, but also get gametime-type work with officials onside for the entire roster.

"Kudos to the officials for being here calling the scrimmage," Thomas said. "There are a lot of things we tell players during practice about what will be called in a game and they get a little hard-headed. Then all of a sudden, they officials are here and they're throwing flags. That was great for us to have the officials here and to allow us to clean some things up while seeing all the players on the big stage. Some eyes lit up and the stage was a little too big for them, and others relished the opportunity which was great to see."

The Golden Lions return to practice Monday at 9 a.m.
 
 

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