Tim Couch

April 19, 1997

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky first-team offense and first- team defense fared well against their second-team counterparts in a two and one-half hour scrimmage Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.

Led by sophomore quarterback Tim Couch, the first-team offense moved into scoring position on all nine possessions against the second-team defense. The first team scored six touchdowns, two field goals, and missed a field goal attempt. Couch completed 46 of 59 passes for 531 yards and three touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the first-team defense held the second-team offense to one touchdown and one field goal on 13 possessions. Redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Keller battled gamely against the first-teamers and completed 22 of 41 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown.

Sophomore Quentin McCord led all receivers with 12 catches for 146 yards. Other receiving leaders included junior Kevin Coleman (8 for 128 yards), junior Craig Yeast (8-59), sophomore Anthony White (6-61, 2 TD), senior Norman Mason (6-51), sophomore Chad Spencer (5-60, 1 TD), senior Kio Sanford (4-36), junior Lance Mickelsen (4-34), sophomore Jimmy Haley (3-42), and junior Marvin Love (3-31, 1 TD).

A.J. Simon

Sophomore fullback A. J. Simon played with both the first and second units and led all rushers with 17 carries for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore halfback Anthony White ran for 73 yards on eight carries. Redshirt freshman fullback Wendell Childs rushed seven times for 40 yards and one TD. Childs suffered a mild knee sprain early in the scrimmage and, as a precautionary measure, was held out for the remainder of the workout.

Junior punter Jimmy Carter punted four times for an average of 39.5 yards. Senior kicker Brian Johnson made 25- and 34-yard field goals while missing from 31 yards. Freshman Marc Samuel made a 24-yard field goal.

This scrimmage was the third of the spring practice season for the Wildcats. All totaled, Couch has completed 130 of 175 passes (74.3 percent) for 1,355 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions in the scrimmages. The leading receivers are Mason (28-296, 2 TD) and Coleman (26- 324). Simon is the leading rusher with 27 carries for 133 yards and two touchdowns.

The team returns to practice Monday and Wednesday. Kentucky completes spring drills with the Blue-White Game on Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium.