The Eastern football team participated in another team scrimmage in preparation for the team’s annual Spring Game at 6 p.m. Saturday.

The Panthers’ first team offensive unit saw much more time in this scrimmage, with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo throwing for 411 yards on the day. Garoppolo completed 28 of 37 passes, tossing three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Wide receivers Erik Lora and Von Wise, and tight end Sam Hendricks each caught touchdowns from Garoppolo.

Coming off a 2011 season troubled with injuries, running back Jake Walker scored two touchdowns in the scrimmage.

Walker, entering his senior season, said in a press release the team is adjusting well to the offense.

“We are starting to get a feel for the speed of the offense,” he said. “We get the plays in very quickly and guys are getting lots of touches. On every play we have the drive to try and make a play and get to the end zone.”

Walker ran for 85 yards on eight carries, while also catching three passes for 72 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, Artavious Dowdell registered two sacks, while AJ Chappelle and Mike Gunter each recorded interceptions.

Head coach Dino Babers said the team needs to work on improving its tempo.

“We need to continue to work and improve upon our tempo,” he said. “I thought the team did really well as this was the first time we had a scrimmage with officials working the game. Our team has to be ready and keep a consistent tempo so we can try any play at any certain time.”

The Panthers’ Spring Game will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at O’Brien Field.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7942 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.