JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — The Carson-Newman football team will hold its first scrimmage of the spring on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Burke-Tarr Stadium.

The Eagles opened spring practice on Wednesday with a light practice, and C-N head coach Ken Sparks said he’s anxious to get back to work with his team.

“The number one thing is trying to teach the fundamentals,” Sparks said. “We have lots of new people and we need get on the same page in blocking and tackling and stance and starts. We have to understand how we line up and what we’re trying to do. We’ve got to work toward getting faster and explosive.”

The Eagles will be without several familiar faces during the spring due to injury. Quarterback Doug Belk (Valdosta, Ga.), who is a candidate to replace SAC Player of the Year Alex Good (Greensboro, N.C.), will be held out. Offensive linemen Michael Tribue (Antioch, Tenn.), a 2009 first team All-American, and Kevin Day (Soddy Daisy, Tenn.) will also miss spring practice.

Quarterbacks Brandon Haywood (Rockmart, Ga.), Aaron Large (Corryton, Tenn.), Patrick Moore (Hixon, Tenn.) and Cody Calloway (Bristol, Va.) will work under center for the Eagles this spring.

“We got some challenges and holes to fill,” Sparks said. “Which means people are going to play who haven’t played much.”

The Eagles went 11-3 in 2009, including a 7-0 record in South Atlantic Conference play and a berth in the Division II national semifinals.