ST. MARYS -- The MHS Roughrider Football team pleased the fans who braved the elements by handling the Urbana Hilltoppers 5 touchdowns to 1 in the annual "Chicken Bowl" scrimmage, held Friday.
After a drenching downpour Friday afternoon the decision was made to move the scrimmage, traditionally held at Skip Baughman Stadium, to the practice field at West Elementary School. This forced the event to begin earlier since there are no lights at the practice field, resulting in many fans missing the first-string action.
But the players did not miss any action, revealing an effective passing game early in the scrimmage, one pass hitting a downfield receiver in stride for an over-the-shoulder catch and a 75-yard TD.
Urbana did not appear to be as strong as last year's team but had a skilled quarterback who kept things interesting. The 4-down portion of the scrimmage ended with the Riders holding a 3 touchdown to 1 advantage.
As might be expected with the visitors dressing only a little more than half the number of the 88-player home roster, the St. Marys bench dominated the second half. One ten-play series featured back-to-back sweeps (left then right), both for 70-plus yard touchdown runs.
The players did not wear their own numbers and are not identified here for that reason.
The weather and the scheduling change may not have slowed the Riders down, but it put a damper on the Rider Rooters' fundraising sale of chicken dinners, which took place as planned at Baughman Stadium. Help out this long-time friend of MHS sports by buying a Rider Rooter membership at their booth in the southwest corner of the stadium during home football games.
The Riders are home next week to begin the season against the Sidney Yellowjackets. Good luck Riders!
