Photo by Geoff Anderson Teamwork...Quarterback Jamie Burke hands the ball to running back Diamos Demerritt as pulling guard Ed Wenger looks to clear a path during Saturday's simulated scrimmage at FIU Stadium. The Golden Panthers open the 2003 season in two weeks at Indiana State.

With the start of classes Monday, summer camp came to an end for the FIU Football team Saturday morning at FIU Stadium with a 42-play simulated scrimmage all under the watchful eye of head coach Don Strock.

“All three quarterbacks played well, and all three ran the offense well,” Strock said. “It got pretty physical, too with both lines going at it and blitzing linebackers getting picked up by the backs. That’s what we wanted. We just didn’t want anybody on the ground getting hurt. I was very pleased with the practice.”

Running back Diamos Demerritt (Miami/Norland) picked up 28 yards on six carries, running with the first-team offense while quarterback Jamie Burke (Sarasota, Fla.) completed four-of-six passes, to four different receivers, for 28 yards.

True freshman Chidi Nwadike (Miami/Palmetto), who has been trying to shake the fullback tag he arrived with in camp, was used as the tailback with the second team and picked up 29 yards on six carries. Adam Gorman (St. Petersburg, Fla.) added three rushes for five yards.

After Burke, David Tabor (Kissimmee, Fla.) hit on two-of-five attempts for 15 yards, then redshirt freshman Josh Padrick (Merritt Island, Fla.) connected on five-of-eight passes for 48 yards. Ten different receivers caught passes, with freshman tight end Samuel Smith (Miami/Gulliver Prep) hauling in two for 18 yards.

No touchdowns were scored, but the field goal kickers went three-for-three with Adam Moss (Coral Springs/American Heritage) converting from 37 and 42 yards and Chris Patullo (Weston/Western) hitting a 42 yarder.

Defensive end Damian Haye (lower back strain), linebacker Shaun Dudney (right ankle sprain) and offensive lineman Chris Munoz (neck strain) didn’t play in the scrimmage. Neither did running backs Rashod Smith (right groin pull), who is expected to begin running Monday, and Tori Robinson (cardiology clearance), who is awaiting results from his latest tests the first of next week.

The Golden Panthers return to FIU Stadium for practice Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in shorts and shoulder pads. Practices are closed to the public, except by invitation.

FIU starts the season on Saturday, Sept. 6 in Terre Haute, Ind., against Indians State. The Golden Panthers open their home slate on Saturday, Sept. 20 against nationally ranked Bethune-Cookman. Call (866) FIU-GAME for ticket information.