RICHMOND, Ky. - Coach Roy Kidd's Eastern Kentucky University Colonel football team held its first major scrimmage during fall drills Saturday morning with Kidd and his staff glad they still have some 10 days left before the season opener, Thursday, Aug. 31^st, at 7:00 p.m. at Roy Kidd Stadium against Glenville (WV) State College.

Eastern worked for nearly two hours in game-type situations. Kickoff return and kickoff coverage drills were held before the scrimmage got underway.

"We were very inconsistent out there today," said Kidd who is beginning his 37^th season as EKU's head coach and who stands just seven wins away from Win No. 300 at Eastern.

"I was disappointed in our timing. We had some good things out there today and we had some bad things. We're just not as far along as we should be. I was really disappointed in our defense in the early part of the scrimmage, but they seemed to come on as the scrimmage progressed."

The Colonel defense, led by linebackers Gerald Palmer and Chris Minter, lineman Marcus Adams and Shorty Combs and defensive backs Kris Nevels and Yeremiah Bell, allowed just two scores on the day - a one-yard plunge by senior tailback Corey Crume and a 22-yard pass from ex-Breathitt County teammates, quarterback Waylon Chapman to split end Matt Sharp.

"I believe part of our showing today is the end of two-a-days and the guys are tired," Kidd said. "I think things will pick back up Monday when they begin classes and we start our regular practice schedule."

One area that has been a concern for Kidd and his staff since fall drills began Aug. 9^th is the locating and molding together of an offensive line that is productive in both its run block assignments and its pass protection.

"I was not happy the way the guys on the line were coming off the ball. They were pushers out there today instead of blockers. We've got to do a better job in that and in our pass protection. Waylon and all our quarterbacks were having to throw on the run all day long," Kidd said.

Extra work is also needed in the Colonels' secondary where "our guys were playing too loose. I want them to be more aggressive back there and start making plays. We've got a lot of good young athletes back there. It's going to take a little time for them to gain experience, but I'd like to see them attack the football a little more."

On the afternoon, Chapman hit 14-24 for 203 yards and one TD. Crume led all Eastern rushers with 36 yards in 10 carries.

"Corey is a good tough runner and made a lot of yards today on second, third and fourth effort. We need to open a few holes so he doesn't take so many licks when he carries the ball," Kidd said.

Tickets to Eastern's six home games may be obtained weekdays by visiting the EKU Athletics Ticket Office in Room 126 of Alumni Coliseum or by phoning the ticket office at 859-622-2122 or 1-800-262-7493, inside Kentucky.