Heading into last Wednesday's scrimmage, first-year Louisville head football coach Tyrone Shorter was eager to finally have some live game film of his players to evaluate ahead of summer workouts.
His players, meanwhile, were just happy to take the field against someone wearing a different uniform.
Both Shorter and the Wildcats received their wishes, and both have to feel optimistic heading into the new season.
Louisville earned a 20-6 over Lanier in the rescheduled weekday scrimmage. Wildcat starters played for three quarters before handing the game over to the junior varsity squad for the fourth period.
"I thought it went very well, as far as just having 14 days of practice," Shorter said. "I think we're ahead of schedule. Our defense played really, really well. We got a lot of film on a lot of kids -- we played a lot of kids. Offensively, it always takes more time. The defense is always ahead of the offense, especially during the spring"
Dre Shumaker, Louisville's most experienced signal-caller heading into the season, was 9 of 14 for 153 yards passing with two touchdowns. He added another 14 yards on three carries.
Receiver David Haynes pulled in four catches for 76 yards and one touchdown. Dantavious Triplett recorded 71 yards and one touchdown on three receptions. Mike Foster rushed for a team-high 21 yards on nine carries.
"Offensively, I know we can throw the football," Shorter said. "We're going to have to improve our offensive line. I'm kind of concerned right now. We just have to work with those kids and get them ready. We have about two months to get them right, so it's our job as coaches to get them right. We're going to work our tail off to get our offensive line going."
Linebacker Kristian Hopkins showed no signs of rust from the offseason as he tallied eight total tackles to go with one sack and one fumble returned for a touchdown. Jehmiah Harden added 10 total tackles and one sack, and Jy'Kevious Hibbler posted two quarterback hurries, three tackles and one sack.
Louisville opens its summer workouts the Tuesday after Memorial Day
