Balanced Scrimmage: The Kentucky offensive and defensive units each had their good moments during a one-hour scrimmage that capped a two and one-half hour practice Saturday morning at the Nutter Training Center. The scrimmage featured the Wildcat offense beginning series at its own 30-yard line, followed by series beginning on the defenses 40-yard, 20-yard, and 10-yard lines. A week ago, the UK defense made a strong showing and the defense had another good start in todays scrimmage. In the four series beginning on the offenses own 30-yard line, the UK defense gave some ground but held the offense without a score. Five series began on the defenses 40-yard line and the offense tallied two touchdowns and a field goal. Two series began on the defenses 20-yard line, resulting in one offensive touchdown. Two series were started on the defenses 10-yard line, both resulting in offensive TDs. Overall, I think the offensive execution was better because it was the second day in a row that we didnt add anything, Coach Guy Morriss said. Weve had improvement on both sides of the football. Quarterbacks Jared Lorenzen and Shane Boyd split time running the offense. Lorenzen completed 8 of 14 passes for 89 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He guided the Wildcats to three touchdowns. Boyd completed 8 of 16 for 101 yards, two TDs, and no interceptions. He led the Cats to two touchdowns and a field goal. Third-team QB Trey Barclay played briefly and completed one of two passes for 11 yards. For the second consecutive scrimmage, wide receiver Aaron Boone made a strong showing. Despite sitting out all three practices this week because of a hamstring strain, the former junior college All-American bounced back with four receptions for 64 yards. He was effective in running with the ball after the catch and had a touchdown play of 23 yards. Senior wide receiver Dougie Allen had two catches for 31 yards, including a 26-yard TD grab. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Tommy Cook has improved his standing lately and made three catches for 27 yards. The other passing touchdown was a 10-yard play to senior tight end Jermaine White. We need to get our passing game better, Morriss said. Our pass protection has suffered a little bit because we have concentrated so much on the running game. Our quarterbacks are making better reads. In the running game, junior Artose Pinner rushed for 44 yards on eight carries, including a two-yard touchdown run. Senior Joel Bryan ran four times for 42 yards, including a five-yard TD. Junior Martez Johnson picked up 19 yards on five carries. Sophomore running back Chad Scott was held out of the scrimmage because of a thigh bruise, but is expected to return to practice Wednesday. The backs are running hard and we opened some holes, Morriss said. Our run blocking has gotten a lot better. The defense came up with two turnover plays during the scrimmage, an interception by senior linebacker Jamal White and a fumble recovery. The defense also generated three quarterback sacks and blocked a field goal. The defense has looked good every practice, Morriss said. The linebackers, with Jamal White and Ronnie Riley, have been a good group. Theyre running to the ball and making plays. Ive been happy with those guys. The Wildcats will not practice on Monday, but will return to the practice field Wednesday at 2 p.m. UK is going into its final week of spring practice, which will culminate with the annual Blue/White Spring Game. The spring game will take place Sat. April 21, at 4 p.m. at Georgetown College. Placekickers See Action: Six placekickers rotated during the scrimmage Saturday. Senior Seth Hanson, the returning starter, had two extra point attempts and made them both. Sophomore Clint Ruth made a 38-yard field goal and an extra point. Sophomore Justin Hutton made an extra point. Senior Stephen Scaldaferri missed a 23-yard field goal attempt. Sophomore Kyle McDaniel made an extra point. Sophomore Sevin Sucurovic had a 37-yard field goal attempt blocked. Couch, Yeast Take in the Scrimmage: The most prolific passing combination in Kentucky football history, quarterback Tim Couch and wide receiver Craig Yeast, was on hand for Saturdays scrimmage. Couch was a first-team All-American and Yeast became the leading receiver in Southeastern Conference history during the 1998 season as they led the Wildcats to the Outback Bowl. Each player will be entering his third season in the National Football League, Couch with the Cleveland Browns and Yeast with the Cincinnati Bengals. Spring Practice Schedule: Practices will be held at the Nutter Training Center.Mon. April 16 OffWed. April 18 2 p.m.Fri. April 20 2 p.m.Sat. April 21 Blue/White Spring Game, 4 p.m. at Georgetown College
