For those who feel that the spectacle of spring football is a waste of time and media coverage, tell that to the 10,000 strong crowd that showed up to watch Jake Locker, the hottest prospect on Montlake since some guy named Tui, and the rest of the Huskies play a "meaningless" scrimmage on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Prior to the Purple and Gold game, hundreds of fans, mostly children, were allowed to step onto the hallowed ground of Husky Stadium and participate in what the athletic department dubbed "The Husky Football Experience."

But what experience are we talking about here?

The experience of the past four years? The same experience that fired two coaches, cost the University millions in the botched firing of Rick Neuheisel and led to an abysmal 14-32 record — including a vomit-inducing 1-10 season in 2004, something never before seen at Washington? Let's hope not.

I like to think that the new experience is something centered on hope. Hope that the Husky football team and its fearless leader, third-year coach Tyrone Willingham, has finally, finally turned a corner.

And truthfully, everyone may get tired of hearing it, but it all centers around one unassuming, shy, baby-faced 18-year-old quarterback deemed the savior of Husky football by fans everywhere.

Saturday marked the first time that those fans got a chance to see their heralded signal-caller, and at the outset, it was evident that he had the fans on his side.

On the first play from scrimmage, Locker took his drop and fired a pass to Michael Gottlieb that was answered by a roar of applause and cheers from the stands.

On the next play, Corey Williams — yes, folks, he is still on the team and didn't retire after single-handedly winning the '03 Apple Cup — received a pass from Louis Rankin for 39 yards, one more than Locker had on the entire day.

Locker would get his, though, when, on fourth down with two yards to the end zone, the quarterback floated a pass into the corner to resident giant Marcel Reece, reminiscent of the pass made famous by Cody Pickett and wide receiver Reggie Williams.

It was the first of three trips to pay dirt for Reece, who in many ways was the leading man of the day. At 6-feet-4-inches tall and 230 pounds, the senior wideout was like King Kong among ants.

Tacklers found ways to miss Reece, and his constant abuse of the Gold team's secondary gave way to thoughts that he may eventually be the most intimidating receiver in the conference this year.

Adding to the trifecta of offensive threats was Rankin, who once again proved he is a threat to break loose every time he touches the ball.

His 42-yarder for a touchdown reminded everyone of his home run threat.

Tempering the excitement was wisdom after the game from Willingham, who said that while it was a successful spring, there is plenty of room for improvement.

So, cryptic messages aside, what does it all mean?

The culture is changing on Montlake, so be prepared.

The Husky Football Experience will commence Aug. 31, 2007; will fans be along for the ride?

Reach columnist Justin Chartrey at sports@thedaily.washington.edu.