May 4, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Western Washington University football team has the last of its 15 spring workouts Saturday, holding the Blue-Silver Intra-squad game on Saturday (12 noon) at Civic Stadium.

No admission will be charged.

After using an offense versus defense format a year ago with a modified scoring system, the Vikings will return to a more traditional game this year. The first-string offense and defense will make up the bulk of the blue squad, with second stringers being most of the white team.

"We're going back to the normal blue-silver format," said Western coach Rob Smith. "We considered drafting teams, but wanted to keep the units together for the sake of continuity."

Some alterations to a regular-season game are in place. Although quarters remain 15 minutes in duration, a running clock will be used. Some modifications of special teams are also planned.

"We want it to be fun for our players and entertaining for our fans," Smith said. "At the same time, we want it to be a productive finish to what has been a very good spring."

Smith said that, ideally, each team would run about 60 plays from scrimmage.

Western began the Blue-Silver game in 2001.