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ARCATA, Calif. – Hundreds of Humboldt State football fans packed the Redwood Bowl Saturday afternoon for the first of two scheduled football instrasquad scrimmages.

Here are some quick notes and observations from the event.

RICCIARDULLI RETURNS TO FORM
Senior running back Nick Ricciardulli darted and dashed all over the field Saturday. His trademark speed was on show in the first series of the scrimmage. On the third play he accelerated for a 13-yard scamper and finished the drive with three carries for 28 yards. The first drive of the scrimmage was punctuated with an HSU touchdown as quarterback Mason Dossey connected with receiver Chase Krivashei in the back of the end zone.

Ricciardulli found pay dirt later in the scrimmage as he dove into the end zone from two yards out. He carried the ball six times for 30 yards during that drive. He said after the game that he felt great and enjoyed getting back to game action.

RUNNING BACK DEPTH
Ricciardulli was not the only back who put on a show during the scrimmage. Several other backs flashed great plays and their own distinctive style of carrying the football. Backfield depth will benefit the Jacks, who struggled with injuries at the position last season.

Freshman Mark Parsons had one of the plays of the afternoon. He took the handoff from Derek Stewart on first down, bolted to the left side, knocked a would-be tackler off his feet and plowed through two more en route to an 18-yard gain. Ja'Quan Gardner, Richard Doctor, Josh Tupper and Alec Mechikoff all had opportunities to carry the ball during the scrimmage.

SECONDARY LOOKS SHARP
With on-and-off the field leader Jeremiah Maluia back in the fold the secondary controlled Saturday's passing game tempo. Juniors Michael Scales and James Nunley caught the only interceptions of the game. Corners and safeties were dialed in and made the deep part of the field a "no fly zone" for HSU quarterbacks.?

THE QB RACE
Each quarterback had an opportunity to get reps and show off their particular skills set during the scrimmage. Dossey dialed up Krivashei for a passing touchdown during the first series.?Dossey, Stewart, Robert Webber and Casey Mintz all had the chance to display why they should start the season under center for the Jacks.