The Idaho Vandals are gearing up for their most anticipated spring event yet—the annual Black vs. Gold spring football game, set to kick off at 6 p.m. Friday under the bright lights of the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. This full-contact showdown promises to be the ultimate test of months of hard work, competition, and growth, giving fans a first real taste of game action this season.

The scrimmage will feature the offense squaring off against the defense in four 12-minute quarters with a running clock. The only stoppages will come during possession changes, simulating media timeouts, while halftime will be a brief eight-minute break. Best of all, the event is free and open to the public, with players staying on the field afterward to sign autographs—a perfect chance for fans to connect with their favorite Vandals.

Head coach Thomas Ford Jr. has a simple priority for Friday: keep everyone healthy. But beyond that, he's looking for sharper execution on both sides of the ball. "I want better operation on offense—no procedural penalties, no lining up wrong," Ford said. "On defense, it's all about handling tempo. We'll see tempo all season in this league, so if we can get aligned correctly, we can go play football."

The energy surrounding this team has been electric throughout spring camp. After a recent practice, Ford described it as some of the most fun he's had all spring, citing the competitive spirit and positive vibe. "This group really enjoys being with each other," he added. "Whether it's a 6 a.m. practice or 6 p.m., they're ready to go. That's what's impressed me most."

Senior linebacker Cruz Hepburn, a Lewiston native, echoed that sentiment, noting the defense's focus on cleaning up assignments. "We need better execution and fewer missed plays," Hepburn said. "It's about coming out sharp and playing smart."

Spring camp is all about fine-tuning—perfecting play calls, refining techniques, and deepening the understanding of the game. Friday's scrimmage will be the ultimate showcase of that progress. For Vandals fans, it's a chance to see the team's growth up close, and for the players, it's a crucial step toward building a winning season. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love the energy of spring football, this is one event you won't want to miss.