The Cal Lutheran football team opens the season at home on Saturday against Willamette (Ore.).

The Kingsmen will have at least three freshmen playing prominent roles on offense.

The line will include a pair of freshmen starters in guard Giovanni Lapp and center Thomas Bouthillier and Derek Martinez is competing for the No. 1 spot at running back.

Junior Antoine Adams will get the start Saturday, but CLU head coach Ben McEnroe said Martinez will get significant playing time

"Derek is getting better every day," CLU head coach Ben McEnroe said. "He is a bigger-bodied guy who has nice feet. He is not going to be the guy to hit the home run for you, but he has great vision and is a physical runner."

-- From Star teammate Rhiannon Potkey with CLU

The Cal Lutheran football team put together an impressive performance in the preseason scrimmage today at Ventura College. Returning starting quarterback Jericho Toilolo found Chris Hammond for a 10-yard touchdown pass and running back Derek Martinez dove in from a yard away for the Kingsmen touchdowns.

Notes on the scrimmage from my Star teammate, Rhiannon Potkey:

- CLU's strength is its passing attack, and it was evident with several long gains from its deep and experienced receiving corps. Quarterback Jericho Toilolo connected with Danny Hernandez, Jesse Matlock and Chris Hammond early and Wes Garwood hit Rob Fierro late for a 40-yard pass. Fierro, a senior, played quarterback at Simi Valley High, but was converted to a receiver once he arrived at CLU.
- The Kingsmen held a few players out for precautionary reasons, including all-conference safety Garrett Redd and wide receiver Sean Coen. The hamstring has been the most injured muscle during CLU's camp this season.
- CLU head coach Ben McEnroe was pleased with the play of the defense and the protection from his offensive line, but he wants to see more production from the rushing attack.
- Hammond celebrated his 21st birthday with a touchdown reception. Reaching the drinking age during football camp means no trips to the clubs or bars, "No. No. No," Hammond said. "I plan to meditate at home and then have a barbecue with teammates."
- The scrimmage was played so early because CLU's freshmen had to get back to campus for orientation, which began at 1 p.m.