Valparaiso will play its annual spring Brown and Gold football game on Saturday morning, April 20 at Brown Field beginning at 11 a.m. This year’s format will again feature the offense against the defense and admission is free.

The game is the culmination of 15 days of spring practice, which head coach Dale Carlson thinks has been very beneficial for the Crusaders.

"We've had good competition so far this spring," said Carlson. "Our spring game on Saturday is the last chance for players to make a good impression on the coaching staff. We will take all the practices into account when setting the depth chart for the start of training camp in August. However, you do pay attention to the three scrimmages to see who will respond in game-like situations."

The scoring for this year’s game will be much like last year, and for the offense will play like a normal game with touchdowns, PATs, and field goals. In addition, the offense can get points for three consecutive first downs, as well as for running plays of at least 12 yards or pass plays of at least 16 yards.

The defense still scores six points for a touchdown and two points for a safety, but can also tally points for a three-and-out, fourth down stops, and creating turnovers. The defense will also be rewarded for sacks and sudden changes, where the offense gets the ball inside the 35-yard line but does not score or is held to a field goal.

Carlson currently has 73 players on the roster during the spring season. The Crusaders will open the 2013 regular season on Thursday, August 29 at North Dakota, while the home opener at Brown Field will be against William Jewell at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 14.