GREENVILLE, N.C. -- First-year head coach John Thompson and his staff put the East Carolina football team through a spirited two-hour practice session on Friday afternoon as the Pirates finished preparations for Saturday's live scrimmage.

The Pirates endured intermittent rain showers throughout Friday's drills at the Cliff Moore Practice Facility while covering its normal variety of practice routines as well as working on third down and other situations.

"I'm really surprised; I think we're further ahead than what I thought we'd be at this point," ECU offensive coordinator Rick Stockstill said. "We've thrown a lot at them in seven practices. I think the kids have worked really hard, are conscientious, and trying to learn and do right. I've been very impressed with them."

Stockstill added that the battle starting positions as well as the looming Saturday scrimmage contributed to the enthusiasm.

"There's a lot of healthy competition. The kids are competing, even in drills against air. They understand that they have to perform everyday if they want to stay as a starter and, if they want to become a starter, they have to beat somebody out. You can't find any fault with their enthusiasm or effort; it's been good so far," he added.

Saturday's two-hour situational scrimmage will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The scrimmage is open to the public and admission is free of charge.