BEAUMONT — Lamar gave the impression of having a very anemic offense in its spring football game, but a slightly more potent version may be on display tonight.

  The Cardinals divide up the reds and whites in Provost Umphrey Stadium at 7 p.m., planning an intrasquad scrimmage which should be far more revealing than last week’s controlled version.

  Plus, the farther that Ray Woodard journeys into the pre-season, the more Lamar’s third-year head coach realizes that his skill position depth chart contains plenty of new faces.

  Freshmen and newcomers will dot the lineup quickly and Woodard can reveal that in a positive manner, too.

  “I really like our freshmen class,” the LU boss said. “I think way more of them can help us more than I thought they would. I don’t think we can keep some of them off the field.”

  Running backs, wide receivers and linebackers especially are locations where even true freshmen have brightened Big Ray’s disposition in the past two weeks.

  Woodard revealed Thursday night that he likely figured to start with a backfield of junior transfer quarterback Ryan Mossakowski, junior DePauldrick Garrett and sophomore newcomer Herschel Sims. The starters at receiver likely will be more seasoned than true freshmen, too.

  Now here’s the rest of the story:

  Playing time definitely appears likely in the Sept. 1 season opener at Louisiana-Lafayette for Magnolia West freshman Desmond Richards and Waco High rookie Darrell Harris at running backs. The same can be written about Port Neches-Groves export Jayce Nelson and Conroe Oak Ridge product Michael Handy.

  Hempstead freshman Ronnie Jones also is making a way above-average early impression at linebacker.

  “We weren’t counting on that many freshmen playing right away (before fall practice) but they look like they want to play now,” Woodard said.

  It’s a bit premature to jump out and compose a feature on the new LU guy from The Reservation but Nelson definitely belongs among the more pleasant surprises through the early fall workouts.

  “Jayce (Nelson) is a much better athlete than people think,” Big Ray said. “He was all-district in football, baseball and basketball and he can play.”

  Lamar’s starter at quarterback can play, too, although his numbers at last week’s scrimmage would be modest.

  “The biggest thing Ryan has to do is just do an overall better job of running our offense,” Woodard said. “Our biggest concern between now and Sept. 1 is just putting it all together.”

Scrimmage plans

  Last week’s scrimmage work was much more controlled than Woodard was expecting in tonight’s final dress rehearsal.

  “This time we will be able to see how they perform in game-type situations,” the LU coach said. “We will have down and distance and be moving the chains to provide a more simulated-game conditions.”

Bum still planning to come

  Bum Phillips is still planning to speak on Aug. 26 at LU’s football kickoff banquet. The kickoff dinner will be held in the Montagne Center on the last Sunday evening of this month at 5 p.m.

Bus trip to Lafayette

  The bus will depart the Montagne Center at noon on Sept. 1, arriving in time for a 3 p.m. tailgate party. The bus will return to Lamar at the conclusion of the 6 p.m. game. The cost of $50 per person includes transportation, game ticket, lunch, snacks and drinks on the bus. For more information, or to make reservations, call Peggy Frazier at (409) 880-2319, or email her at peggy.frazier@lamar.edu.

Ragin Cajun game tickets

  LU fans can take advantage of a lower ticket price for the Louisiana-Lafayette game by purchasing their seats in advance from the Montagne Center ticket office. Reserved sideline seats can be purchased for $25 in advance at Lamar, but will cost $30 at the gate. Tickets are on sale now and will be sold through noon on Friday, Aug. 31, the day before the game. Tickets can be purchased at the Montagne Center ticket office, by calling (409) 880-1715, or visiting www.LamarCardinals.com.