OFFENSE RALLIES FOR WIN IN PURPLE-WHITE SCRIMMAGE

FLORENCE -- Freshman quarterback Rodney Bivens threw two late touchdown passes to lead the White back from an early deficit and post a 35-32 win over the Purple in the University of North Alabama's annual Purple-White game.  The Purple, made up of the Lions defensive players, dominated the majority of the scrimmage, which included four eight minute quarters.  The offense failed to get in the end zone in the first half but netted points on a field goal and by gaining first downs in a point system that awarded points to the offense for production and to the defense for stops.  Quarterback Vinnie Saylor missed the scrimmage due to an injury and the offense was led by junior Joe Riner, sophomore Brett Wilcut and Bivens.  The defense was led by linebacker Donald Tharpe, who missed most of the 2004 season with injuries. "We played better offensively than we did a week ago," said UNA head coach Mark Hudspeth "but the defense still dominated."  "There were some improvements today in protection but we still made mistakes and didn't move the ball consistently."