Lights prepare for spring scrimmage Saturday at Havre High

The Montana State University-Northern football team continues its spring workouts Saturday with its second scrimmage.

The Lights have added eight new players to their roster for the spring, including three who have played for coach Walt Currie before.

Returning after a year's absence is Chad Wangerin, a receiver and Richard Jarvis, a running back. Dustin Falk, also a receiver, has taken two years off from football and is returning.

Newcomers to the team are Jesse Gilge, Jeremiah Baker, Tim Beaty, Joc Muir and Matt Lewis. Gilge and Lewis are receivers, Baker is a defensive back and Beaty is a linebacker.

"We've got some kids with some experience and maturity, and with that comes leadership," Currie said. "We've got some great leaders right now."

The Lights scrimmaged last weekend and are using the intrasquad games as a chance to get the younger players a better feel for college football, Currie said.

With several strong recruits added to the Lights and with a number of experienced players returning the Lights look to be a strong force in the Frontier Conference.

"We think we can compete with any other team right now and we're hoping we can," Currie said. "They're a pretty close group. They've been working real hard in the off-season and it shows. I'm really looking forward to next season."

The Lights have spent the recent months working out, running and lifting weights in preparation for the fall season. The Lights have been practicing three days a week and lifting two.

"So far it's been going real well," Currie said. "We're getting a good look right now."

The scrimmage is planned for 9:30 Saturday morning at the Havre High School practice field. The Lights will continue to practice next week but will not scrimmage. Their final scrimmage is slated for May 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Blue Pony Stadium.