RIPON, Wis. - Just one week before Ripon's first football game of the season, Red Hawk fans were treated to a sneak peak of this year's squad, as the 2007 Red-White Scrimmage was held on Saturday. In front of a good turnout, the Red Hawks were able to go over game situations that they may encounter this season, with the first, second and third teams taking turns trying to move the ball down the field into the endzone.

Things started little sluggish, with a fumble ending each of the first two drives by Ripon's first and second teamers, respectively. The crowd finally got something to cheer for on the first team's third drive of the scrimmage, junior quarterback Tygh Walters hit receiver Brian Felix in stride, as Felix outran the entire defense for the 60+ yard score. Early in the first team's next series, Scott Perkins ran the ball up the middle for another long Red Hawk score. Later in the scrimmage, Andrew Fink found the endzone for the second team, which was the third and final touchdown of the day.

"We've been practicing for about two weeks and we have improved, but we still have a long ways to go. We're taking steps forward and getting better at some things," head football coach Ron Ernst said. "We saw some very good plays on both sides of the ball in today's scrimmage. I'm pleased right now with the progress of our team and where we're at right now."

The Red Hawks open the season at home on Saturday, September 1, against UW-Oshkosh, who defeated Ripon handily last year. This year, Ripon's hoping that their home cooking will make a difference in the contest. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. at Ingalls Field.