By Jim Fenton, The Enterprise (Brockton)

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Three games remain on the Bridgewater State University football schedule, giving the Bears' younger players time to gain valuable experience.

BSU is playing freshmen and sophomores at key positions, and their development will continue down the stretch.

"It's very encouraging what we're seeing from our young guys,'' said coach Chuck Denune. "We are asking these guys to grow up real quickly.

"Every week, we're asking them to do a little more and they keep responding. We're going to keep asking them.''

The Bears (3-4, 2-3 in the MASCAC) play at Westfield State University (4-2, 3-1) on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Following a bye week, BSU travels to first-place Framingham State before winding up with the annual Cranberry Bowl against the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Sophomore Danny Higgins and freshman Malik Garrett will continue to share the duties at quarterback, a formula that worked last weekend in a win over Plymouth State University.

Higgins, who has played all seven games, has thrown for 1,510 yards and eight touchdowns while Garrett brings a change of pace to the offense.

"I think we'll see both of them the rest of the year unless one of them takes ownership,'' said Denune. "They bring something different.

"Malik can take a broken play and make something out of it while Higgins can grind out a long drive for you.''

While Matthew Green of Stoughton remains the top receiver with 45 catches for 553 yards, freshman Travis Bassett has had a solid rookie season with 22 catches for 296 yards.

Freshman running back Alex McLaughlin had his best game last week, gaining 103 yards and scoring a touchdown.

He was named the ECAC Division 3 Northeast and the MASCAC rookie of the week.

Denune is also using sophomore Cristian Rivera at running back behind senior Blaise Branch of Brockton (438 yards).

The next test is Westfield State, which will be playing before a homecoming weekend crowd.

"They are big and they are physical,'' said Denune of the Owls. "They have a solid offense and a very good ground game and their defense is strong.''