HELENA, Mont. -- Music blared from the speakers at Nelson Stadium. 

While the football team held its fall scrimmage, putting the team through a variety of game-like scenarios, the music overhead was intentional. Creating a chaotic atmosphere and watching how his team responded to it was coach Troy Purcell's choice. 

"We try to make things as chaotic as we can," Purcell said. "You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. You just get used to it."
 
The fall scrimmage served as a tune-up, a chance for players to establish themselves on the two-deep and a game-day operational test. The Fighting Saints also treated fans to a show of what's to come in 2019. 

"I learned that we have a young, young team," Purcell said. "It's exciting."

The Saints mixed their top players in for a few series but gave the majority of the reps to the No. 2s and 3s. On a warm Friday afternoon, the younger players were called on to make the most plays. 

And they delivered. 

Sure, there were a few hiccups -- as referees whistled penalties, which resulted in players running Nelson Stadium's bowl afterward. 

But for freshmen like Matt Burgess and Zach Spiroff, it was a chance to fire up the Fighting Saints. 

Burgess scored twice on the day with a pair of runs. 

Spiroff, lined up opposite of all-conference wide receiver Shane Sipes, battled the upperclassman and came down with an interception in the end zone. 

"Spiroff is an outstanding cornerback," Purcell said. 

Corbin Walker was credited with recovering a fumble. 

There are a number of positional battles happening across the roster, but when it comes to quarterbacks there's always a little more attention. 

The Saints mixed Kolby Killoy and Devan Bridgewater in with the No. 1s during the scrimmage. While a first-game starter remains to be seen, both quarterbacks showed command of the offense during the scrimmage. 

"Both those kids are playing really well," Purcell said. "Consistency from both of them is the key. You have to have that. Get in the rhythm and get them going." 

Beyond the QB battle, the Saints' coaching staff will take the weekend to evaluate film from the scrimmage develop a two-deep. 

"This gave us a good clue where we were at and where our kids are at," Purcell said. "We'll start getting those guys more reps and make them more crisp." 

The closure of the scrimmage meant one thing: it's time for the Fighting Saints to focus on the Montana Western Bulldogs.