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SEEING YELLOW: Several officials worked Saturday’s scrimmage and were instructed by YSU coach Eric Wolford to call the game close. “I think that [penalties were] a major problem last year, especially before the snap and we’ve got to get that corrected,” he said. “If you don’t point it out now, it’s gonna continue to be there. We’re not just going to slough it off.”

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wolford has stressed competition throughout the winter and spring, both to put pressure on the top returners and to see which young players will step up and impress the new coaching staff. Senior defensive tackle Torrance Nicholson, a three-year letterman, thinks that approach is making the team better. “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse,” he said. “If you’re getting worse, you’re losing your spot. Coach Wolford made that clear from Day 1. Winter workouts, every drill you had, you had to compete against somebody. If you lose, you had to do push-ups or up-downs. It’s all about competing. The best man is going to get the job. Like they say, pressure either bursts pipes or builds diamonds. So we’re going to see who’s going to take that pressure and step up to the plate.”

TAILGATE PASSES: YSU is selling tailgate parking passes for the spring football game, which will be April 10 at Stambaugh Stadium. Passes for the M-24 lot across the street from the stadium are $10, with the session beginning at 8 a.m. and stretching until noon kickoff. Game tickets are $5. For details, call (330) 941-1978 or e-mail ysusports@ysu.edu. Deadline is April 2.

FAMILIAR FACES: Several Cardinal Mooney seniors attended practice on Friday and Saturday, including YSU recruits Eric Franklin and Zach Larson (offensive linemen) and Donald D’Alesio (defensive back).

WHAT’S NEXT: YSU will practice on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 and will hold another scrimmage on Saturday, with practice set to begin at 10 a.m. Practices are open to fans, who must sit in the stands.

Joe Scalzo