EDMOND (Aug. 10) -- Central Oklahoma ended its first day of full-pad workouts with a spirited 45-minute scrimmage Monday at Wantland Stadium as the Bronchos continue preparations for the 2009 season.
"We came out of the scrimmage pretty pleased as a coaching staff as far as where we're at compared to where we were at this time last year," said head coach Tracy Holland. "We got in a lot of reps and saw some good things. The key thing for us as far as any scrimmage is evaluating it and using it to move your team forward."
Most of the scrimmage was situational, with the offense usually setting up on a short field at the defense's 20-yard line. An offense that has seven returning starters had several impressive moments.
"What marked both sides of the ball for us was the effort, enthusiasm and energy of the players," Holland said. "Our offense obviously has big-play potential and had some moments today, but we've got to work on consistency."
UCO started preseason drills last Thursday and spent two days in shorts and helmets and two days in shorts and shoulder pads before finally having full-contract drills Monday.
The Bronchos will practice twice Tuesday and Thursday, with single sessions set for Wednesday and Friday. UCO will hold a major intrasquad scrimmage Saturday at 6 p.m. at Wantland Stadium.
"We're pretty pleased with where we're at right now," Holland said. "We're certainly pleased with the attitude and work ethic of the team. As long as you've got that, you're going to make progress."
The defending Lone Star Conference North Division champion Bronchos will take a seven-game winning streak into the season opener at Pittsburg State on Aug. 29.
