BEMIDJI, Minn. - The Bemidji State University football team is set to put the wraps on its 2008 spring season Saturday, when it takes the field at Chet Anderson Stadium for its annual spring game. The scrimmage, set for 1:15 p.m., marks the conclusion of a 15-session season.

Close to 70 players are expected to take part in the contest, which is free and open to the public.

The game matches the Beaver offense against its defense and use a unique scoring system which awards points for both offensive and defensive achievements.

The offense will earn a point for gaining a first down, six points for a touchdown and three points for a field goal, while the defenders gain two points for preventing the offense from getting a first down and six points for a fumble recovery or an interception (a fumbled snap is not considered a fumble for scoring purposes).

A two-point deduction will be enforced for each penalty committed.

Prior to the game, the team will facilitate a youth football clinic at the Gillett Recreation and Fitness Center for area children currently in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. in the Rec. Center lobby and will go through 11 a.m. when the clinic is slated to begin. The cost to participate is $15.

Participants will receive fundamental one-on-one instruction from current BSU coaches and student-athletes in throwing, catching, blocking and kicking, lunch and a Beaver Football t-shirt. In addition, children will have the opportunity to mingle with the Beavers during an autograph time.

The clinic will conclude at 1 p.m., but participants and their parents are encouraged to make their way down to Chat Anderson Field to see the Beavers in action at the spring game.

Jeff Tesch, who is in his 13th season as head coach at Bemidji State, returns 11 regulars from the 2007 squad. Despite key losses at wide receiver, safety and on the offensive and defensive lines, a large portion of the defensive secondary and the bulk of the skill positions are back in pads this spring.

Bemidji State posted an overall record of 7-4 in 2007 while it recorded a mark of 6-3 versus Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference competition to finish fourth in the league standings. The Beavers are set to open the 2008 slate with a road trip to Minot, N.D. to battle Minot State University in the annual 'Beaver Bash' Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.

-bsu-