Strong Football Performance Overshadows Tough Loss

By Victor Rodriguez

Spirits were at an all-time high going into varsity football’s final game of the season versus the Lee Volunteers, with both teams looking to get their first district win of the season. The stakes were set high with the Riders entering this crucial matchup carrying an 0-9 record and looking to get their first victory of the season against the only district opponent they beat in the 2013 season.

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Sophomore Bryson Carroll carries the ball. Carroll led the Riders in rushing yards this season. Photo by Victor Rodriguez

“I think there’s always pressure to win, no matter what the situation may be. We definitely want our guys to finish strong and end on a good note,” assistant Coach Darnell Barnes said before the game.

Barnes said that the message to the team going into their final game was the same as it had been all season, “to be consistent, how we finish matters. This is an important game, no matter what the situation you’re playing for, your pride, your family, and your school so finish well.”

This message may have been the spark the Riders needed to light up their performance. The first half against the Volunteers began very promising. The Riders’ running game proved unstoppable with three rushing touchdowns, two of which came from sophomore quarterback Bryson Carroll, running for 239 yards on 15 carries and finishing the season as the Roughriders’ leading rusher with 913 yards. The third touchdown came from a 34 yard run by sophomore running back Joshua Morgan who also had a great season finishing with 568 yards rushing and three touchdowns. The Riders entered halftime full of momentum, leading the Vols 26-20.

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Junior Alex Carrizales screams from the student section. The students followed the drama of the game, where the Riders surrendered a first half lead. Photo by Victor Rodriguez

The Roosevelt student section that has supported the team all throughout the tough season was more excited than ever, filling up the stands with noise and excitement.

Unfortunately this momentum wasn’t able to carry the Riders through the next two quarters, as they became plagued by costly penalties and turnovers that took them out of the game. However, even after turning over the ball at some crucial moments in the second half, every time the offense took the field they played believing that they could beat the odds and make the comeback.

The final score was 47-38, with Lee fighting back to overpower the Riders’ hopeful start.
A lot of adjustments have taken place in the varsity squad this season, and there is a lot of young talent at Roosevelt waiting to make their mark on the field. The outgoing seniors say they wish them the best.

“Districts is y’all’s for the taking if you just work hard,” said senior defensive end Nathaniel Dillard. If the young Roosevelt team continues to adapt to the fast pace style of football required at the varsity level the Riders will be set to make a strong impact next season.

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