Bowling Green, Ky. - Fall camp for the 2009 Western Kentucky University football team officially came to a close Saturday evening as the team held its annual mock game as part of Family Fun Day at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

The Hilltopper ran through roughly 60 plays with everyone from the first-team players to redshirts seeing some action.

"I liked the way our guys were focused, and then came out and got some good work done," said Hilltopper head coach David Elson. "I was really pleased with the turnout from the fans for everything we had going on over here today. It was way better than I could have expected. It's a great sign for the support and enthusiasm the community has for our team this season."

WKU took "Fun Day" literally on the opening play of the scrimmage as Kawaun Jakes found Marcus Vasquez for a 69-yard touchdown pass on a flea-flicker. That was not the only long scoring play for the offense. In the second half, starting quarterback Brandon Smith hooked up with Derrius Brooks on a 59-yard scoring strike.

"One of the things we've talked about is how we have to get better at completing the deep ball," added Elson. "We have to be able to complete those passes in this offense, so it was good to see our guys respond tonight with the lights on, and hopefully that will give them some confidence going forward."

Smith and Jakes both saw three series of action under center. Tyler Bruce also accounted for an offense score while at quarterback, finding paydirt on a nine-yard run.

Defensively, Jihad Morris and Trent Calhoun each recorded three tackles, while Rammell Lewis and Marquise Burns were each credited with sacks.

Casey Tinius was 3-for-3 field goals, including a make from 48 yards.

The Hilltoppers will open the 2009 season in one week as they travel to Knoxville, Tenn., to take on Tennessee at 11:21 a.m. (CDT) next Saturday (Sept. 5). The game will be televised by the SEC Network, and can be seen in Bowling Green live on WBKO-ABC. The home opener will be Sept. 12 when WKU host South Florida at 6:30 p.m.

The 2009 season will mark the first for WKU as one of the 120 bowl-eligible members of the Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A), and will be the first in which the Hilltoppers will play as a member of the Sun Belt Conference.