"The offense had some big plays tonight," Coach Clint Conque said. "Our skill players really showed up tonight."

Some of those skill players that showed up were receivers Aaron Fairooz and Anthony Lampkin. Lampkin, who is listed by Don Hanson's Football Gazette as a preseason All-American, made a catch on a simple route during the scrimmage, but the run following the catch is what left jaws dropped. Lampkin headed up field, cut inside, then spun around and left several defenders in the dirt.

Fairooz also made several catches, including one for a touchdown.

"A lot of the offense's success to night is a credit to the offensive line, the fullback and tight ends," Conque said. "We wanted to throw a lot of different formations at the defense to see how they would adjust."

Backup quarterback Chris Reil also drew praise from Conque.

"Reil through some nice balls tonight," Conque said. "I wish I could've worked him with the ones (first-string) more tonight, but he'll get plenty of snaps with them in practice."

Tight end Austin Cade made a catch, as did freshman tight end Carl Clites.

"Cade is a good, tough football player," Conque said.

With all the praise the offense received from Conque, he was pleased with the defense too.

He said there were a few series in goalline work and one or two in the redzone that he was happy with.

"Quenton Maxfield had a couple of nice stops tonight," Conque said. "Stacey Hill had a couple of nice stops as well."

Senior defensive ends Chad Taylor and Gary Davis drew Conque's eye also.

"Taylor and Davis continue to impress me," he said. "I'm very happy with the development of our defensive front as a whole."

Conque said the defense may have been fatigued in Tuesday's scrimmage because of a practice held Monday night.

"We may have had one of the best practices we've had since I've been here last night (Monday)," he said. "The defense really set the tone in that practice. It was one of the most intense and focused practices I can remember."

Conque said the workout was just in shoulder pads and helmets, but he used the practice as a challenge to the players. According to Conque Monday's morning session wasn't up to par.

"I wanted to challenge them last night," he said. "And they met that challenge. That speaks to the character of this team. We play a tough schedule, and we'll be in some close football games. Character and discipline is what we need to win close games."

Wednesday the Bears will begin preparation for their season opener against Eastern New Mexico in Portales, N.M. Two-a-days will conclude tomorrow after a team meeting. Classes start Thursday at UCA.

NOTES: Kicker Garrett Morgan was 4/4 from 42 yards in Tuesday night's scrimmage. He missed one from 52 yards out ... Kicker James Paul nailed his one attempt from 52 yards out ... Punter Thomas Garland punted well, but during punt drills there was one bad snap ... The Bears will sport new purple pants at home this season ...