Two weeks before Fresno State opens its football season at defending national champion Michigan, the defense appears to be well ahead of the offense during their scrimmage at Valley Children’s Stadium on Saturday night.

About 1,000 Red Wavers got a taste of what’s to come this season under the lights and with interim head coach Tim Skipper in charge.

“I love August. It gets us rolling into September and to hear the Red Wave loud in the stadium, I love it,” Skipper told GV Wire. “It’s exciting to have an open practice since we haven’t had one in a while, and it was a good turnout.”

First Scrimmage of Fall Camp

The evening started out with basic drills like ball handling, coverage, run-throughs, hitting the bags, and agility.

Cornerback Cam Lockridge dressed and participated in the drills. He’s been rehabbing an injury. Skipper informed GV Wire that they’re letting him gradually work himself back into playing shape and they’ll see how he’ll be at Tuesday’s practice.

Quarterback Mikey Keene was contact-free through the scrimmage while cheering on the sidelines. It allowed backup QBs sophomore Joshua Wood and redshirt freshman and Buchanan graduate Jayden Mandal to get snaps as they compete to be next in line to Keene.

With three departures on offense and six on defense, the coaching staff is utilizing this time to see who can assert themselves into these essential roles as fall camp progresses.

Defense Shines, Allows Only One Score

The defense excelled, allowing only one score: a touchdown reception by junior tight end Kamron Beachem. Seniors defensive lineman Devo Bridges, linebacker Malachi Langley, and defensive back Dean Clark showed why the team will rally around them this season.

But the scrimmage provided the lower depth chart players with a chance to make an impression to coaches and fans. Playing time awaits for those who prove their stuff at linebacker, the defensive secondary, and wide receiver.

“It was good. I liked the energy. Guys were flying around. We’ll see how it looks when we see the game film,” said Skipper.

“I liked the way the running backs ran. There weren’t that many holes because the defensive lineman and linebackers did good. The two backup quarterbacks did a good job as they’re in competition. It was good football.”

NBA Star Paul George Draws Attention

There was much excitement on the sidelines as there was on the field. NBA All-Star and Fresno State basketball legend Paul George made an appearance. Fans were calling his name, asking for autographs, which he did and posed for some photos. He left before the scrimmage began but it’s always great to see an alumni return back to the community.

Fans, Alumni, and Family Members Meet Players and Coaches

After the scrimmage, fans, alumni, and family members flooded the field to meet the players and coaches. They signed autographs and took photos with them.

Beachem said he’s confident abut how the Bulldogs will fare in the season ahead: “It felt great to get in the endzone. We’re playing a lot faster. We’ve come along a way, and we know what needs to get done.”

Sophomore defensive back Jayden Davis was all smiles at the scrimmage. The Bullard graduate was happy to have his family and friends come out and support him. He’s excited to see the stadium packed once the season starts.

“I can’t wait till the Red Wave comes. The house is going to be packed. It’s the biggest party in the Valley.”