HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- Head coach Willie Fritz said he saw a lot of good things on both sides of the ball during the 100-play, hour-and-a-half scrimmage for the Sam Houston football team Saturday morning.

"It's tough because if the defense does well and gets some take-aways, you're mad at the offense. But if the offense is moving the ball, you're upset about the defense," Fritz said. "We got a chance to look at everyone with a lot of 11 on 11. The two-minute drill was excellent."

There were several big plays in all three phases of the game. Senior Vincent Dotson blocked a punt and later scored on a short TD run.

Dax Swanson returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown. Senior wide receiver Melvis Pride made several big catches.

"We're still learning to play as a team," Fritz said. "Our next scrimmage we'll work strictly on situations like two-minute and four-minute drill, overtime, goal line and coming out from the one. There's still a lot of work to be done."

Sam Houston State returns 19 starters and 50 lettermen from last year's 14-1 squad that won the Southland Conference and advanced to the national championship game.

The Bearkats open the 2012 season Saturday Sept. 8 when they play host to the University of Incarnate Word at Elliott T. Bowers. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available on line now at www.gobearkats.com/tickets or at the SHSU athletic ticket office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium.