More than 1,000 Lobo fans crowded the sidelines of the practice field Saturday to get a sneak peek of the 2005-06 Lobo football team.
The annual Cherry-Silver spring scrimmage is a 90-minute, full-pad contest between the UNM offense and defense. The defense stole the show, causing two turnovers and allowing only three field goals and one touchdown for a total of 16 points.
Wide receiver Marcus Smith scored the only touchdown and finished with 97 yards. Junior quarterback Kole McKamey said he was impressed with Smith's performance.
"I was really proud of Marcus Smith," McKamey said. "He had a good day, really stepped up and had some good runs. He had some good catches and good routes."
Smith said the crowd made the scrimmage more intense for him.
"When you hear the fans making noise and yelling at you, it makes you want to go harder and gives you a little extra to push yourself a little more," Smith said.
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Smith said he thinks the team played better Saturday than it had in two weeks and everyone will be happier going into the summer having the offseason end this way.
The Red Menace lingered in the north end zone with the same enthusiasm and volume as fans would expect for a regular season home game. LeeRoy Bandito flaunted his UNM pride and sported a red wig, painted face and football attire. Bandito said he has attended every open spring practice this season and is impressed with the team's performance.
"The defense has looked pretty good," Bandito said. "The offense is picking up. By fall they should pick it up completely."
The spring offensive scheme is significantly altered without senior playmaker DonTrell Moore, who is recovering from tearing his ACL during the 2004 Emerald Bowl.
"We think he's going to be ready by fall camp, which would obviously be a big plus for us," head coach Rocky Long said. "If he's healthy and ready to go, there's no question mark at tailback."
Moore said it is obviously a different experience not being involved, but he is impressed with the spring season offensive performance.
"The running backs are stepping up, and that was an area we were kind of afraid of," Moore said. "We want to make sure they step it up and don't take a step back, whether I am there or not."
Moore said he is playing a different role on the team, supporting his teammates and doing whatever he can to help out.
"You don't have to be on the football field to be an asset to your team," Moore said.
Bandito said the spring performance makes him hopeful for the upcoming season.
"I think it foreshadows a Mountain West Conference tournament," Bandito said. "I am proud of these guys and proud of everything about UNM."
