SKIP BAUGHMAN STADIUM - The biggest cheer from the visitor's side of the field came as halftime festivities were winding down.
The Elida Marching Band was making its way back to its seats when the band director announced through his bullhorn, "Let's go home."
A huge cheer went up from the band members, and they never looked back on their way to the parking lot. It was just that kind of night for the Elida Bulldogs.
In a night that can called miserable at best, St. Marys rolled to a 61-7 victory over the Bulldogs, hanging on to a tie for second place in the Western Buckeye League with Defiance, which was a 30-7 winner over Celina.
Kenton moved closer to the league title with a 15-7 win at Van Wert.
Rain, at times coming down sideways, combined with a chilly north wind to limit the fans to a few die hards, and made the offense an adventure for both teams.
"Our kids did a wonderful job hanging on to the ball in adverse conditions," St. Marys coach Doug Frye said.
The Riders lost two fumbles, but only late in the game. Elida fumbled the ball seven times, losing three.
St. Marys did not pass or punt in the game, but did roll up 514 yards on the ground. Chuck Owens, starting at fullback for the injured Ty Dingledine, excelled in his debut, as he rushed for 164 yards on 12 carries.
"I thought Chuck Owens ran very well," Frye said. "He did a great job filling the void left by Ty." Dingledine, who suffered a torn ACL last week at Kenton, is out for the season.
Stephen Kill rambled 137 yards on just seven carries, as he spent most of his time kicking extra points and kicking off. Nathan Homan also ran for over 100 yards as he totaled 112 on 14 carries.
Homan got things rolling with a 32-yard scoring romp on the Riders first possession. The Riders scored 34 points in the second quarter, beginning with a 23 yard romp by Kill. Homan answered with a three-yard TD run followed by 37 and 53-yard scoring runs by Owens.
Scott Vossler's interception and 24-yard return set up a one-yard run by quarterback Tyler Sampson to close out the first half scoring with the Riders leading 41-0.
Frye was able to empty the bench in the second half. Elida didn't have a bench. The Bulldogs dressed just 28 players.
"I wish Elida luck for the rest of the way," Frye said. "It's never easy in (low numbers) that situation. I like (Elida coach) Al Clum. I think he does a wonderful job."
"Since there's no JV game on Monday (Elida does not have a JV team), it was nice to get everyone in," Frye added. "Everyone got some significant playing time."
Sampson capped off the Riders' first drive of the second half with a one-yard run and a 47-0 lead.
Adam Chiles returned Elida's next punt inside the Bulldog 10 yard line, setting up a one-yard touchdown run by Neal Garrison. Shawn Craft rambled in for the two-point conversion, giving the Riders a 55-0 lead.
Brandt Huttis closed out the scoring for St. Marys with a five-yard run with 11:51 left in the game.
Elida avoided the shutout when Nate Kimmet powered into the end zone from two yards out - much to the delight of seven remaining Elida fans.
Eleven different Riders carried the ball. Craft finished with 48 yards on three carries, Nick Fortman had eight yards on two carries, Huttis 10 yards on three carries, Ryan Stoner three yards on two carries, Adam Solomon two yards on one carry and Zachary Menker one yard on two carries.
The Riders will be back at Skip Baughman Stadium for Homecoming next Friday.
"We have to continue to improve with three huge games coming up," Frye said. "Our focus this week will be on a tough Bath team for homecoming."
The Wildcats were 27-0 winners over Wapakoneta Friday.
