Riders to take on Jags in important district game

By Alexandra Moss |

With the exciting football game coming up on Friday against Johnson (5-0), the Riders (4-1), are getting pumped up and ready to win!

The Riders beat state quarterfinalists Brandeis last week in a defensive battle, 10-7. Photo by Destiny Carter

“Our guys understand this is a big game, but they are all big games and anyone can beat anyone on any given day, ” said Coach Tony Manning. 

Last time Roosevelt played against Johnson it was a close game of 35 to 34, with Roosevelt winning in overtime. They plan on taking home another win this week. The team ended up taking third place in the district race last year, behind Johnson, and they were planning how to improve their district ranking during the off season, but then COVID hit. 

“COVID hit us pretty hard at the beginning. It kind of confused me on what I should do as a leader, but me and Nick [Salazar] had started off the spring after we left school, we just started working out at our feeder schools, “ said senior quarterback Dewayne Coleman. 

Although Covid has made playing conditions a bit different, everyone is still ready to play and give it their all. Last time they played Johnson, they both got 2 passing touchdowns and also scored a few rushing touchdowns. This year, Coleman has accrued 499 rushing yards alone and 13 touchdowns this season. 

 “I’m not really too worried because I know if we come out and play our game and play us then we’ll be fine and we’ll come out with the win every time,” said senior linebacker Nicholas Salazar.

The two teams will play against each other tonight at Jerry Comalander Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.