Nov. 9, 2009

PHOTO GALLERY

The Lamar University football program shone brightly Monday night as the Cardinals scrimmaged under the lights in front of an SRO crowd at the Lamar Soccer Complex.

Fans were tailgating before the scrimmage, the cheerleaders kept spirits up even during a brief rainfall and fans couldn't wait to see the Cardinals take to the field under the lights.

"This was a great night," Lamar head coach Ray Woodard said. "It was a great atmosphere. It was nice to see so many people out here."

The Cardinals are gearing up for next September, as football returns to Lamar for the first time since 1989. Lamar will play an 11-game schedule, starting with a Sept. 4 contest at McNeese State. The home opener at the renovated Provost Umphrey Stadium is set for Sept. 11 against Webber International.

"We still have a long way to go, but I thought we looked good tonight," Woodard said.

Sophomore quarterback Kevin Smith was excited to be able to perform in front prime time.

"You get pumped up playing under the lights," he said. "It was the first time we practiced at night this year, and it was something special."

The scrimmage wrapped up the fall practice schedule. The Cardinals will return for spring practice in late March, with the spring scrimmage tentatively set for April 10.