The Center Roughriders traveled to Nacogdoches, Homer Bryce Stadium, to play the Tatum Eagles. Center started the game by kicking off to the Eagles. The Eagles returned the ball to the 23 yard line. The Eagles moved the ball down to the Rider 5 yard line before the Center defense held, forcing the Eagles to try a 27 yard field goal. The field goal banged off the right upright on the goal post and Center got the ball at their own 20 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Center quarterback Jaelyn Short was tackled and fumbled the football. Tatum recovered the fumble at the Rider 18 yard line. Two plays later the Eagles score on a carry between the left guard and tackle. The extra point was good and Tatum had the lead 7 - 0. On the kickoff, the Eagles tried a pop up, where you kick the ball up over the first line of defenders to the 2nd line. Ty Lister caught the pop up and returned it to the Eagle 11 yard line. SeRyan Netherly scored the Riders first touchdown on a sweep around the left side of the line. Julio Martinez added the extra point and the score was tied at 7 each. The Eagles return the kickoff to their own 24 yard line. The Eagles drove the ball down the field to the one yard line where the quarterback kept the ball on a sneak play for the touchdown. The extra point was good and Tatum lead 14 - 7. Center took the kickoff and returned it to their 27 yard line. Rider offense picked up one first down but Center QB Jaelyn Short threw his first interception of the game and Tatum returned the ball to the Rider 13 yard line. The first quarter ended with Tatum on the Center Center 3 yard line, first and goal.

The second quarter started with Tatum first and goal at the 3. Tatum ran the ball over the center and scored on a 3 yard burst. The extra point was good and Tatum lead 21 - 7. Demarcus Brown returned the kickoff to the Rider 34 yard line. Tre Sudds broke a 24 yard run down to the Tatum 42 yard line. The drive stalled and Center had to punt the football. Tatum got the ball back at their own 20 yard line. The Rider defense came out and limited the Tatum offense to 3 plays and almost blocked the punt. Demarcus Brown returned the punt to the Tatum 45 yard line. Riders drove the ball to the 10 yard line and scored on a 10 yard burst up the middle by Tre Sudds. The extra point was blocked and Tatum still had the lead 21 - 13. Damian Bolton got an exceptional kickoff and the kickoff team pinned Tatum down at the 16 yard line. The Center defense stymied the Tatum Offense and forced a fumble that Demarcus Brown picked up and carried 27 yards for the Rider touchdown. Center went for two to tie the game on a run around the right end. Jeremy Small broke two tackles to carry the ball in for the two point conversion which tied the score at 21 - 21. Tatum returned the kick to the Rider 37 was unable to get any offense going and punted the ball back to Center after 3 plays. Center returned the punt to their own 25 yard line. Center ran a couple of plays but got most of their yards on a 38 yard pass from Jaelyn Short to Ryan Goodwin. Which got the ball down to the Tatum 25 yard line. A pass in the flat to Seryan Netherly scored a touchdown but it was called back due to holding. Jaelyn Short carried the ball 20 yards, down to the 5 yard line on an option play up the middle. With 18 seconds left on the clock Short threw a pass into the end zone that was intercepted and the half ended tied at 21 - 21.

The third quarter started with the Eagles kicking the ball off to the Riders. Demarcus Brown returned the ball to the Rider 30 yard line. The Center Offense used a balanced attack to get the ball down the field to the eleven yard line. The Riders scored on a pass from Jaelyn Short to SeRyan Netherly. The Julio Martinez extra point was good and Center lead 28 - 21. The Eagles get a good return on the kickoff, back to their own 44 yard line. The Eagles drive the ball down to the Rider 11 yard line but fail to convert a 4th and 1 which gave the Riders the ball back on downs at the 11 yard line. a 71 yard pass play from Jaelyn Short to Tre Sudds gets the ball down the field to the Eagle 1 yard line. Jaelyn Short powered his way into the endzone for the Rider touchdown. Julio Martinez added the extra point and Center had a 14 point advantage 35 - 21. Once again, Damian Bolton boomed a kickoff that went into the endzone (just barely inside the stripe) bounced and came out to the one yard line, the Tatum kickoff return man was tackled at his 5 yard line.

The fourth quarter started with Tatum 3rd down and 10 from their 5 yard line. Tatum only picked up 3 on their next run and punted the ball back to the Riders. Demarcus Brown muffed the punt and had to fall on it at the Rider 45 yard line. Center ran a couple of running plays and on 3rd and 5 Jaelyn Short threw an interception and Tatum got the ball back at their own 15 yard line. Tatum drove the ball up to their own 49 yard line and on a 4th down and 1 the Rider Defense held and the ball went over on downs to the Riders. The Rider offense came out and ran the ball at Tatum but was unable to secure a first down and punted the ball. Tatum got the ball back at their 15 yard line. Alderian Berry intercepted the Eagle quarterback pass at the 36 yard line and returned the ball all the way for the Riders final touchdown. Julio Martinez added the extra point and that was the final score of the game. Riders win 42 - 21.

The Riders play Lorena at Bearkat Stadium in Huntsville at 7:30 on Saturday. I hope to see you there!!!

Also, the team will be leaving Saturday at 12:00. They will make a lap around the square before leaving town. Let's give the boys a good send off by being on the square with your signs, horns, cowbells - anything that makes noise.

Center Vs Jasper - November 9, 2009
By Chris Mayfield

The Center Roughrider varsity football team traveled to Jasper to play the Bulldogs Friday night. At stake, 2nd place in District 18 - 3A. Both Center and Jasper had already clinched a spot in the playoffs but hoped to use this game to prepare for their playoff appearance.

The first quarter started with Center kicking the ball off to Jasper. Center pinned Jasper at their own 13 yard line. Jasper scored on an option play that the Bulldog QB kept and ran down the sideline 65 yards for a touchdown. The extra point was blocked giving Jasper a 6 - 0 lead. Jasper kicked off to the Riders and tackled Jeremy Small at the 12 yard line. On the 2nd play from scrimmage Center Running Back Tre Sudds broke on an 85 yard run down to the Jasper 3 yard line. On the next play, Kevinski Pitts carried the ball across the goal line for the Center touchdown. Damian Bolton's extra point went wide to the right and the score was tied at 6 - 6. Jasper returned the kick to their 38 yard line. The Center defense kept the Bulldog running game in check and Jasper punted the ball back to Center. Center was unable to move the ball on offense and punted it back to Jasper. The Bulldog offense ran 3 plays and punted the ball back to the Riders. Demarcus Brown muffed the punt reception and Jasper recovered the loose football at the Rider 21 yard line. Jasper scored on a 12 yard option play to the right. The extra point was good and Jasper had a 13 - 6 lead.

The 2nd quarter started with Center on offense. Rider QB Jaelyn Short threw a 35 yard touchdown pass to Ty Hubbard but Damian Bolton missed the extra point. The Riders trailed 13 - 12. Riders kick off to the Bulldogs. The defense gives up one first down before forcing them to punt the football. Center gets the ball back and on the first play quarterback Jaelyn Short throws down the field and Jasper intercepts the football. Jasper gets the ball back at their own 31 yard line. Jasper offense played power football running the ball between the tackles and marching it down the field. Jasper scored on a QB keeper over the right side for 1 yard. Jasper tried a trick play for the 2 point conversion but it was intercepted by Quincy Ratcliff. The score was Jasper 19 Center 12. Center had a good kickoff return and started driving the ball on Jasper. After crossing midfield, Jaelyn Short's pass went off the hands of Ryan Goodwin and was intercepted by Jasper. Jasper moved the ball into Rider territory and with time expiring on the clock tried a field goal that fell about 10 yards short.

Jeremy Small returned the 2nd half opening kickoff to the Rider 43 yard line. Center ran a couple of plays but gave the ball back to the Bulldogs on a Seryan Netherly fumble. Jasper got the ball back at their own 41 yard line. The Center defense came out and smothered the Jasper offense forcing them to punt the ball back to the Riders. Center's Carmane Lane blocked the punt, scooped it up and returned it to the Bulldog 15 yard line. Center tried a double reverse pass from Ryan Goodwin and intended for Jaelyn Short but the pass was intercepted by Jasper. The Center defense answered the call again allowing Jasper to run 3 plays and punt the ball. Center drove the ball to their own 43 yard line where Jaelyn Short handed the ball off to RB Jeremy Small who ran over the left tackle and then up the middle of the field, 57 yards, for the Rider touchdown. Center went for 2 running an option play to the left, Jaelyn Short came up a half yard shy of the end zone. Making the score Jasper 19 Center 18. Jasper returned the kickoff back to midfield. The Bulldog offense drove the ball down inside of the Rider 10 where they ran the ball up the middle for a touchdown. The extra point was good and Jasper had an 8 point lead. Center took the kickoff up to their own 38 yard line. Center QB completed a 52 yard pass to Ty Hubbard who was tackled at the 3 yard line. Center ran a power play to Tre Sudds up the middle who carried the ball in for the Rider touchdown. Center went for 2 and came up short and Jasper had the lead 26 - 24. Jasper took the kickoff and returned the ball to the 30 yard line. They marched the ball down the field and scored on a 3 yard run over the right tackle. The extra point was blocked by Pedro Almaguer and returned by Alderea Berry, which should have given the Riders 2 points but in Jasper we were only given 1. Making the score Jasper 32 Center 25. Center offense started their next possession at their own 20 yard line. Center took and marched the ball down the field to the Bulldog 2 yard line. A fourth and 1 play with time running out in the game came up 2 inches short, and Jasper was able to keep the Riders out of the end zone. The final score Jasper 32 Center 25.

The Riders are in the playoffs and travel to SFA to take on the Tatum Eagles Friday night at 7:30. The Center ISD administration is hosting a tail gate party from 5 - 7 at Homer Bryce Field.

Freshman Roughriders Win a share of the District Championship - November 6, 2009
By Chris Mayfield

The Freshman Roughrider football team played the final game of the season at Roughrider Stadium thursday afternoon. The Riders kicked off to the Jasper Bulldogs who returned the ball to their own 36 yard line. Jasper dove the ball down the field to the Rider 26 where Donavan Middleton ran the ball in for the Bulldog touchdown. Christian Guadian kicked the extra point and Jasper lead 7- 0. Jasper tried an onside kick however the kick did not go the needed 10 yards and Center got the ball at the 50 yard line. A couple of plays later, Center gave the ball back to Jasper when running back Trey Johnson lost the handle and fumbled the football. Jasper took over at their own 28 yard line. Jasper took the ball to their own 42 yard line before turning the ball back over on downs to the Riders. Center ran the ball down to the 1 yard line where QB Derrick Thomas carried the ball in for the Rider touchdown. Javarius Rankin ran the ball around the left end for the 2 point conversion and Center lead 8 - 7.

In the 2nd quarter, Jasper took the Rider kickoff and returned it to their own 47. They ran and passed the ball down the field to the one yard line. At the 1 the Jasper running back fumbled the football and Rider linebacker Trey Johnson recovered the loose football. The half ended with Center leading 8 - 7.

The third quarter started with the Bulldogs kicking off to Center. Center returned the ball to their own 34 yard line. QB Cody Carlton completed a 30 yard pass to Tony McCollister which got the Riders down to the Bulldog 35 yard line. The Rider drive stalled and Center gave the ball back to the Bulldogs at the 34 yard line. Jasper came out passing the football but a completed pass was fumbled and Shaquille Ingram returned the loose football back to the Bulldog 45 yard line.

The fourth quarter started with the Riders on offense at the Bulldog 45. Center took the ball and ran it down to the 5 yard line where Derrick Thomas carried it in for the 2nd Roughrider touchdown. Derrick Thomas also carried the ball in for the 2 point conversion and Center extended its lead to 9 the score was Center 16 Jasper 7. On Jasper's next possession they fumbled the football. Ren Evans recovered the loose football for the Riders. However, Center fumbled the ball right back to the Bulldogs. Jasper drove the ball down to the Rider 20 yard line but the Rider defense stiffened and Jasper turned the ball over on downs. The game ended with the final score being Center 16 Jasper 7.

With this win the Center Freshman are Co District Champions. Congratulations to Coach Alex Munoz and Coach Alden Reeves.

Center Junior Varsity Win the District Championship - November 6, 2009
By Chris Mayfield

The Center Junior Varsity remains undefeated in District play and they are District Champions after beating Jasper at Roughrider Stadium thurday night. The game started with Jasper kicking off to Center and Center returned the ball to their 35 yard line. Center marched the ball down to the Bulldog 11 yard line where Rider running back Johnny Sudds carried the ball in for the Roughrider touchdown. Johnny tried to run the ball in for the 2 point conversion but was stopped short of the goal line. Center kicked off to Jasper and they returned the ball to their own 32 yard line. The Jasper offense was unable to gain any ground against the Rider defense and gave the ball back on downs to the Riders. Center got the ball back at the Bulldog 35 yard line and ran it down to the 28 before giving the football back to Jasper on downs. Jasper got the ball back at the 28 yard line and tried to pass the ball but it was intercepted by Cameron Cloudy and he returned the ball to the 8 yard line.

The second quarter started with Center on offense at the 8 yard line. A penalty on a previous play had backed the offense up to the 10 yard line. Quarterback Cameron Cloudy threw a 10 yard touchdown strike to Jay Berry in the end zone. Cloudy's pass to Demmerick Thomas for the two point conversion was broken up by the Jasper defense, but Center had the lead 12 - 0. Center kicked the ball off to Jasper who returned the ball to the 25. On the 2nd play from scrimmage, Jasper QB Tyler Bolton was intercepted by Johnny Sudds who returned the ball down to the Bulldog 11. Center QB Cameron Cloudy threw his 2nd touchdown pass of the night on an 11 yard post to Davian Criswell. Myles Netherly tried to run the ball in for the 2 point conversion but came up short of the goal line. The score at the half was Center 18 Jasper 0.

The third quarter started with Center kicking off to Jasper. The Jasper offense was unable to generate any yards against the Riders and the ball was given to the Riders when the Bulldogs failed to convert a 4th down. However, Center gave the ball right back to Jasper when Center running back Myles Netherly fumbled the football. Jasper got the ball back on their own 39 yard line. The Bulldog offense was able to make a few plays before turning the ball back over to the Riders on downs. Center got the ball at the Bulldog 36 and 2 plays later running back Myles Netherly fumbled the football back to Jasper. Jasper took over at their own 20 yard line. The Center defense did not give up any yards to the Jasper Offense and actually they had lost 2 yards when the ball was given back to Center on downs.

At the start of the 4th quarter, Center offense was facing a 4th down and 5 at the Bulldog 13 yard line. A pass intended for Jay Berry was incomplete and Center gave the ball to Jasper on downs. Jasper QB Tyler Bolton tried to pass the football but it was intercepted by Davian Criswell. Center's was unable to get the offense going and gave the ball back to Jasper on Downs. Jasper moved the ball down the field but Jasper QB Tyler Bolton threw a pass that was intercepted by Cameron Cloudy and returned 42 yards for a Roughrider touchdown. Cameron Cloudy completed a pass to Demmerick Thomas for the 2 point conversion and the Center JV won the game with the final score Center 26 Jasper 0.

Congratulation to Coach Morris and Coach Weeks for winning the Junior Varsity District Champoinship.

Center Clinches Playoff Spot with Win Over Huntington - November 4, 2009
By Chris Mayfield

It was senior night at Roughrider Stadium Friday night with Center hosting the Huntington Red Devils. The game started with Huntington kicking off to Center and J Von Jones returning the football 65 yards for a touchdown. Damian Bolton missed the extra point wide to the right and Center had the lead 6 - 0. Center kicked the ball off to Huntington and pinned them down around their own 25 yard line. Huntington ran 6 plays and punted the ball back to Center. On the first play from scrimmage, QB Jaelyn Short ran around the right side on an option play and ran 60 yards for the Roughrider touchdown. Damian Bolton added the extra point and with 7:14 left in the first quarter the score was Center 13 Huntington 0. Huntington ran 7 plays on offense before punting the ball back to Center. Demarcus Brown took the punt and ran down the Huntington sideline (55 yards) and dove into the endzone for the Roughrider touchdown. Damian Bolton extra point was good and Center lead 20 - 0. On the kick off the ball went off of the side of Damian Bolton's foot, rolled ten yards and was recovered by Center. Center offense systematically drove the ball down the field. A 15 yard pass from QB Short to Ryan Goodwin got the ball down to the 1 yard line where Kevinski Pitts bulled his way into the end zone for the Rider TD. Damian Bolton added the extra point and Center was in complete control of the football game 27 - 0.

The second quarter started with Huntington on offense. Center defense caused a quarterback fumble which Center recovered at the Devil 4 yard line. One play was all that was needed for Tre Sudds to carry the ball in over the left side for the Rider touchdown. The Bolton extra point was good and the score was Center 34 Huntington 0. Huntington ran 3 plays and punted the ball back to Center. Center offense started at their own 30 yard line. A double pass, Short to Goodwin then Goodwin to Seryan Netherly got the football down to the Devil 16 yard line. QB option to Tre Sudds got the ball down to the 7 yard line and a misdirection play to Tre Sudds up the middle scored the Rider touchdown. Damian Bolton's extra point was good and the score was 41 - 0. The defense came out and smothered the Devils and they punted the ball after 3 plays on offense. A short punt gave the Riders the football at the Devil 32 yard line. Center fumbled the football and Huntington recovered the fumble. The Devil offense came out, ran 3 plays and punted. Center got the ball at their own 40 yard line. The Center offense marched the ball down the field. Running back Johnny Sudds did most of the running on this series, finally scoring on a 6 yard burst over the left tackle. The Bolton extra point was no good and Center still lead 47 - 0. Center went in at halftime with a commanding lead.

The third quarter started with Center kicking off to Huntington. The Devil offense came out and ran 3 plays and punted. Center offense took the ball and ran it down the field. Seryan Netherly scored on a 33 yard run around the right side of the line. The Damian Bolton extra point was good. There were not a lot of plays run in the second half as the clock was ran without pausing for the third and fourth quarters of play. The final score was Center 54 Huntington 0.

Other notes: With this win and a win by Jasper over Rusk, Center clinched a playoff spot. The teams from our district that are going to the playoffs are: Jasper (Big School), Carthage (1st seed small school), Center (2nd seed small school). Center's opponent in the playoffs is dependent on who wins the Gladewater vs. Chappel Hill game on Friday.

Center traveled to Rusk Friday night to play the Eagles at their home stadium. The first quarter started with the Riders kicking the ball off to the Eagles. On Rusk's first possession of the game, Eagle QB was caught in the back field by Quincy Ratcliff, the football came loose and Carmane Lane recovered the loose ball for the Riders. The Riders offense started with the ball at the 28 yard line but they were not able to move the football. A quarterback sack by the Eagles set up 4th and long for the Riders. The Riders tried a fake punt but did not get enough yards for a first down and the ball went back over to the Eagles. The Eagles run two plays and fumble the football, Justin Lovett picks up the loose football, breaks a tackle and takes the ball in for the Roughrider touchdown. Damian Bolton added the extra point and the Riders led 7 - 0. The Eagles returned the kick to their own 25 yard line. The Eagles moved the ball in to Rider territory but their drive stalled and the ball went over on downs to the Riders. Center got the ball at their own 49 yard line. Center QB Jaelyn Short hit wide receiver Ryan Goodwin on a 30 yard pass play down to the Eagle 19. (That pass and catch was the longest offensive play for the Roughriders of the night.) The Eagle 19 was as close as the Riders would get giving the ball back on downs to the Eagles. The first quarter ended with the Eagles on offense, Center had the lead 7 - 0.

The 2nd quarter started with the Eagles on offense at the Rider 30 yard line. A few plays later, Rusk running back Marcellus Johnson carried the ball across the goal line on a 3 yard run. Ricky Rojo added the extra point and the score was tied 7 - 7. Center's next possession started at their own 22 yard line. Center took the ball down to the Eagle 48 yard line, but the drive stalled and Center had to punt the ball back to the Eagles. Rusk offense drove the ball down to the Rider 34 yard line and turned the ball back over to the Riders on downs. With only seconds left to play in the half, Center tried a pass, but Jaelyn Short was sacked in the backfield and the half ended with the scored tied Center 7 Rusk 7.

The Eagles kicked the ball off to the Riders to start the third quarter. Center offense ran 3 plays and punted the ball to Rusk. Rusk got the ball at their 43 yard line and drove the ball to the Center 27. On 4th down they kicked an extra point that was good giving Rusk the lead, but a penalty was called on Center that gave the Eagles a first down. The Eagles chose to take the penalty which took the points off of the score. The Center defense allowed Rusk to run 3 more plays without getting a first down and the Eagle kicker Ricky Rojo came out and gave the Eagles the lead booting a 27 yard field goal. Rusk led 10 - 7. Center offense got the ball back and could not get anything going, running 3 plays and punting the ball back to the Eagles. Rusk got the ball at their own 46 yard line. Rusk was running a QB option to the left when the QB fumbled the ball, Carmane Lane took the football and ran 44 yards for a touchdown. Damian Bolton added the extra point and the Riders had the lead 14 - 10.

The fourth quarter started with Rusk on offense. They drove the ball down to the Roughrider 7 yard line before letting the ball go over on downs. Center offense ran 3 plays and punted the ball back to the Eagles. Rusk started their next drive at their own 46 yard line. They passed and ran the ball down to the Rider 22 yard line when time expired. The Riders won 14 - 10.

The Center Freshman football team hosted the Rusk Eagles yesterday afternoon at Roughrider Stadium. The field was sloppy due to rains earlier in the day. The Roughriders kicked the ball off to the Eagles who returned the football to their own 38. The Eagle offense drove the ball down the field by running sweeps and off tackle. The Eagles scored on a 38 yard run by Eagle running back Chaston Bennett. Rusk tried to run the ball in for the 2 point conversion, but they were tackled short of the goal line. Rusk had the lead 6 - 0. Center took the kickoff and returned it to their 35 yard line. The Center offense carried the ball 10 yards further up the field to their own 45 yard line and that is where Derrick Thomas ran the ball 55 yards for the first Rider touchdown. Center tried a pass for the 2 point conversion but it was intercepted. The score was tied at 6 - 6. The first quarter ended with Rusk on offense at the Rider 38 brokeyard line.

At the start of the 2nd quarter Rusk was on offense. Eagle running back Chaston Bennett carried the ball around the left side of the line, 28 yards for the touchdown. The other Eagle running back Jeremy Mosley carried the around the right side for the 2 point conversion and Rusk led 14 - 6. The Eagles kicked the ball off and Trey Johnson returned the kickoff 50 yards, down to the Eagle 36. The Rider offense stalled and had to punt the ball. The half ended with the score Rusk 14 Center 6.

The third quarter started with Center receiving the kickoff and returning the ball to their own 32 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Rider running back Trey Johnson broke for a 68 yard run for a touchdown. Derrick Thomas ran the ball around the right side for the 2 point conversion and the score was tied at 14 - 14. Rusk's next possession was stopped when Center Linebacker Trey Johnson made an interception and returned the ball to the Eagle 48. Center was unable to get anything going on offense and had to punt the ball back to the Eagles. The third quarter ended with Rusk on offense.

At the start of the 4th quarter, Rusk was driving the ball down the field. At the 15 yard line Eagle running back DJ McDuff broke free and scored a touchdown. Eagle QB Cody Stanley ran the ball over the left side of the line for the 2 point conversion. With 3:53 left on the clock the Eagles kicked the ball off to the Riders. Center muffed the kickoff and wound up falling on the ball at their 19 yard line. Center's offense marched the ball down the field. At the 3 yard line Center QB Derrick Thomas carried the ball in to the end zone for the Rider touchdown. Derrick Thomas then called his own number again on the 2 point conversion and the score was tied with :55 left in the game. Center kicked off to the Eagles who returned the ball to their own 37 yard line. On Rusk's first play they fumbled the football and Center's Kyle Clinton recovered the loose ball on the 28 yard line. The Riders scored on a 28 yard pass from QB Derrick Thomas to Tony McCollister. The Riders tried to pass for the 2 point conversion but it was batted down. Center had the lead 28 to 22. With :04 left on the clock Rusk tried to pass the football but it was intercepted and returned for a touchdown as time expired. Final score Center 34 Rusk 22.

Center Junior Varsity vs. Corrigan Camden Bulldogs - October 23, 2009
By Chris Mayfield

The Center Junior Varsity hosted the Corrigan Camden Bulldogs Junior Varsity last night at Roughrider Stadium. Center started their first drive at their own 34 yard line. A 41 yard run by Center running back Johnny Sudds got the ball down to the Bulldog 29 yard line. Cameron Cloudy threw a 29 yard strike to Melvin Suell and the Riders were knocking on the door at the one yard line. Center QB Cameron Cloudy ran the ball in on the next play. The try for 2 failed and Center had the lead 6 - 0. Corrigan Camden offense fumbled on their next possession. Center recovered the loose football and the offense drove the ball down to the Bulldog 8 yard line. Unable to convert a 4th down the Riders turned the ball over on downs.

The 2nd quarter started with Corrigan on offense. The Bulldogs fumbled again and Center Linebacker Derrick Thomas recovered the loose football. On the next play Center quarterback Cameron Cloudy was intercepted by Corrigan Free Safety Kendrick Horace. The Bulldog offense got the ball down to the Center 40 yard line and turned the ball over on downs. Center running back Johnny Sudds ran for 30 yards down to the Eagle 30 yard line. Sudds then carried the ball another 30 yards for the Center touchdown. Center QB Cameron Cloudy tried to run the ball in for the 2 point conversion but was stopped short of the goal line. The score was Center 12 Corrigan Camden 0. Corrigan's next offensive possession ended when they fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Hugo Ruiz. Center got the ball back on their own 37 yard line. With 26 seconds left in the first half Center QB threw a pass to Johnny Sudds which got the ball down to the 15 yard line. QB Cameron Cloudy was intercepted on the last play of the half. Center went in to the locker room with the lead 12 - 0.

The third quarter was a defensive struggle. Corrigan started with the football but had to punt the ball away to the Riders. Center got the ball back around their 30 yard line and had an offensive drive going when the third quarter ended.

The fourth quarter started with the Riders still on offense at the Bulldog 23 yard line. Cameron Cloudy completed a 23 yard touchdown pass to Johnny Sudds. Sudds tried to run the ball in for the 2 point conversion but was stopped short of the goal line. Corrigan Camden returned the kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown, Kendrick Horace took the kickoff and hit the wedge and went straight up the field for the touchdown. Kendrick Horace also carried the ball in to the end zone for the two point conversion. Corrigan tried an onside kick but the Riders were able to fall on the football. Center ran 4 plays and the ball went back to Corrigan on downs. Center defense kept the Bulldogs in check and they ran 4 plays and gave it back to the Riders on downs. On Center's next offensive possession, Johnny Sudds fumbled the football and Corrigan recovered the loose football at their own 12 yard line. Bulldog QB Patrick Parker threw an interception to Trey Johnson who returned the ball 15 yards for a Roughrider touchdown to seal the game. Final score Center 24 Corrigan Camden 8.

Center Homecoming Win Over Diboll - October 19, 2009
By Chris Mayfield

Center hosted Diboll Friday night for it's homecoming game. The field was a little sloppy from rain earlier in the week but you would not know it to see the Rider offense play. From the time the ball was kicked off to the final whistle the Roughrider's came out and were in complete control of the football game.

Diboll won the toss and elected to receive. The Center defense lead by Quincy Hudspeth and Justin Lovett held Diboll on their first series forcing them to punt. Demarcus Brown returned the punt 80 yards for the first Roughrider touchdown. Julio Martinez added the extra point and the score was 7 - 0. Center kicked the ball back to Diboll who again was unable to get any offense going and had to punt after running only 3 plays. Center returned the punt back to their own 45 yard line. drove the ball across midfield but a miscue in the back field resulted in a lost fumble to the lumberjacks. Diboll got the ball on their own 46 and drove the ball to the Center 20 yard line. On 4th down, 3 to go Diboll running back Terrence Taylor was caught in the backfield by Kevinski Pitts and the ball went back to the Riders on downs. The Center offense carried the ball to the 44 yard line where Center QB Jaelyn Short threw a 56 yard pass to Ty Hubbard for a Rider touchdown. Julio Martinez added the extra point and the score was Center 14 Diboll 0. Things did not go well for Diboll on their next offensive series when they fumbled the ball, Justin Lovett was there for the Riders to recover the loose football. On Center's first play from the 19 yard line, they ran a double reverse pass, Ryan Goodwin threw the ball to Jaelyn Short for the touchdown, Julio Martinez added the extra point and Center had a first quarter lead 21 - 0.

Early in the 2nd quarter Center was on offense around their 36 yard line. They punted the ball to Diboll who mishandled the punt reception and Carmane Lane recovered the ball for Center at the Lumberjack 22 yard line. Center running back Tre Sudds carried the ball over the left tackle 22 yards for the Rider touchdown. Julio Martinez extra point was good and the score was 28 - 0. The next Rider touchdown was set up when Justin Lovett intercepted a deflected pass at the line of scrimmage and returned the ball to the 10 yard line. With 1st down and goal at the 10 yard line, QB Jaelyn Short carried the ball to the 5 yard line. On 2nd and goal from the 5, Short carried the ball the rest of the way for the Rider TD. Martinez added the extra point which made the score 35 - 0. Diboll came out on their next series and moved the ball down the field into the Rider red zone. Jeremy Small intercepted the Diboll QB in the end zone and the Riders got the ball back on their 20 yard line. Two plays later, Jaelyn Short threw a touchdown pass to Ty Hubbard which covered 76 yards. Julio Martinez added the extra point and the Riders went into the locker room at halftime with the lead 42 - 0.

The third quarter started with Diboll kicking off to the Riders and we returned the ball to our own 30 yard line. The offense went back to work driving the ball to the Lumberjack 43. Jaelyn Short threw another touchdown strike to Ty Hubbard but the Julio Martinez extra point was blocked. The score Riders 48 Lumberjacks 0. The next offensive series the Lumberjacks were handled by the aggressive Center Defense and they had to punt the ball back to the Riders. Rider offense was unable to get things moving and when they tried to punt the ball it was blocked. Diboll got the ball at the Center 10 yard line. The defense came out and held on to the shut out actually moving the offense backward. The ball went over on downs to the Riders. Center started their drive at their own 15 yard line. They marched the ball down the field to the Lumberjack 5. On 4th and goal Julio Marinez kicked a 23 yard field goal to improve the Rider lead 51 - 0. Diboll returned the Rider kickoff to their 25 yard line. They passed and ran the ball down to the Rider 1 yard line. With 18 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, the lumberjacks scored on a 4th down play when running back Camran McCollum inched over the goal line. The final score Center 51 Diboll 6.

The Riders are 1 win and 1 loss in district play and travel to Rusk this Friday to play the Eagles. Game time is 7:30.

Freshman Center vs. Diboll - October 16, 2009
Photos and Article by Chris Mayfield

The Center Freshman Roughrider team traveled to Diboll to take on the Lumberjack freshman on Thursday afternoon. The field of play can only be described as sloppy from all of the rain during the week and a pre game shower which lasted for about 30 minutes just prior to the kickoff. The first quarter of play was dominated by a Diboll drive which started on their own 31 but stalled out on the Rider 29 where the ball went over on downs. The first quarter ended with Center still on their first offensive drive of the game. The score was 0 - 0.

The second quarter started with Center continuing their first drive of the game. The Rider offense was facing a 4 and 1 at the Diboll 19 yard line. Running back Trey Johnson faked a reverse, picked up a couple of key blocks from Tyler Morris and Brent Bailey, and ran the ball down to the 4 yard line. Javarius Rankin ran the ball behind center Aaron Liker and scored the Roughrider touchdown. QB Derrick Thomas threw a pass to Tony McCollister for the 2 point conversion and the Riders led 8 - 0. Diboll returned the kickoff to their own 48 yard line. They drove the ball down to the Rider 7 yard line and scored on a pass from the QB to the wide receiver. The quarterback tried to keep the ball and carry it in for the two point conversion but was stopped short of the goal line - Center kept the lead 8 - 6.

The third quarter started with Tony McCollister returning the opening kickoff to the Rider 47 yard line. Quarterback Cody Carlton threw a pass that was intercepted and returned to the Rider 32 yard line. The Lumberjacks carried the ball down to the 5 yard line where Lumberjack QB Carlos Teal ran off the right tackle for the go ahead score. Diboll tried for 2 with a quarterback keeper up the middle, but it was stopped and Diboll led 12 - 8. Center took the kickoff and returned it to their own 37 but was unable to generate any offense and had to punt the ball back to the Lumberjacks. Diboll took possession of the ball at their own 32 yard line. The third quarter ended with Diboll on offense.

The Diboll offense kept the ball for almost the entire 4th quarter. Center was able to stop their offense and force a punt. The Riders got the ball back on their own 20 yard line. Center passed the ball down to the Lumberjack 30 yard line but an interception sealed the win for the Lumberjacks. The Freshman are 1 win and 1 loss in district play and host Rusk next Thursday at 5 pm.

Center JV vs. Diboll JV - October 16, 2009
Photos and Article by Chris Mayfield

The Center JV travelled to Diboll Thursday afternoon to take on the Lumberjacks. The game started with the Riders kicking off to the Lumberjacks. Diboll's offense started the game at their 32 yard line and moved the ball down the field to the Center 35. The Lumberjack offense stalled and the Riders took the ball back after stuffing a 4th down try by the Lumberjacks. Center tooked the ball and drove it down to the 4 yard line where Center QB Cameron Cloudy passed the ball into the end zone to Melvin Suell for the first Rider touchdown. Johnny Sudds tried to run the ball in for the 2 point conversion but was stopped short. Center led 6 - 0.

The second quarter started with the Roughrider offense having possession of the football at the Diboll 33. QB Cameron Cloudy threw a 32 yard strike to Melvin Suell which got the Riders down to the 1 yard line. A run by Myles Netherly lossed 2 yards and the Riders were looking at 2nd and goal from the 3 yard line. Netherly got back the two yards he lost on the next play and the ball was back at the 1 yard line. Quarterback Cameron Cloudy called his own number and carried the ball in for the Center TD. The Riders went for 2 and got it when Cloudy threw a pass to Demmerick Thomas which increased the Rider lead 14 - 0. The Riders kicked the ball off to Diboll who returned it to their 29 yard line. Unable to get anything going on offense they punted the ball back to Center who returned the ball to the 50 yard line. A Cameron Cloudy pass to Jay Berry netted 36 yards. Cloudy then ran a speed option left and optioned the ball out to Johnny Sudds who carried the ball 14 yards to pay dirt. The pass for 2 to Demmerick Thomas failed and the Riders had a solid lead 20 - 0.

The third quarter was a defensive struggle with Center and Diboll exchanging punts. In the fourth quarter the Rider offense scored when Cameron Cloudy threw a 5 yard pass to Demmerick Thomas. Johnny Sudds added two more points to the Rider total on a cut back run in to the end zone. The Riders final score of the game came on a 40 yard romp by Johnny Sudds. QB Cameron Cloudy carried the ball across the line for the 2 point conversion and the Junior Varsity improved their district record to 2 wins 0 losses. Final Score Center 36 Diboll 0. The JV hosts Rusk next week at Roughrider Stadium - game time is 7 pm.

Center Falls to Carthage - October 12, 2009
By Chris Mayfield

The Center Varsity Football Team traveled to Carthage Friday night to take on the #2 State Ranked Carthage Bulldogs. The first quarter started with Center kicking off to the Bulldogs who returned the ball to their own 32 yard line. Carthage drove the ball down to the Roughrider 1 yard line. The Center defense turned the Bulldogs away and took the ball over on downs. The Center offense was unable to get anything going and had to punt out of the end zone. Carthage partially blocked the punt and took over at the Rider 14 yard line. They drove the ball down to the 4 yard line where running back JJ Moseley went in for the first Carthage touchdown, Francisco Monreal missed the extra point and Carthage led 6 - 0.

The 2nd quarter started with the Riders on offense facing a 4th and 8 at the Carthage 25 yard line. Deandre Simmons was sacked in the back field and the ball went over to the Bulldogs on downs. Carthage started their drive at their own 34 yard line, drove the ball down the field and fumbled it back to the Riders. Kevinski Pitts recovered the loose football for the Riders who started their next possession at the 2 yard line. On the first play QB Deandre Simmons was intercepted by Saftety Edward Pope who returned the ball to the Rider 34. The Bulldog Offense came in and drove the ball to the 3 yard line where JJ Moseley carried the ball over the left side of the line for the Bulldog touchdown. The Bulldogs went for a 2 point conversion, QB Anthony Morgan threw a pass to WR Cleveland King which was complete. Carthage led 14 - 0. Center returned the kickoff back to the 20 yard line. The Riders were unable to get any offense going and punted the ball back to Carthage. Carthage drove the ball to the Rider 31 yard line where QB Anthony Morgan threw a touchdown pass to Cleveland King. The Francisco Monreal extra point was good extending the Bulldog lead to 21. Center returned the kickoff to their 32 yard line. The Center was intercepted and the ball returned to the 50 yard line. The Bulldog offense drove the ball down to the Rider 5 yard line. Bulldog QB Anthony Morgan completed a 5 yard touchdown pass to Edward Pope. The extra point was good and Carthage went in to the locker room leading 28 - 0.

The third quarter was mostly a defensive battle. Center started with the football, ran 3 plays and punted. Carthage offense came out and ran 3 plays and punted. The Rider offense came out and threw an interception to Kendall Thompson who returned the ball to the Rider 40 yard line. A penalty backed the Bulldogs up to the 44 yard line. Running back Rodrick Brooks ran the ball 44 yards for the Bulldog touchdown. The extra point was good making the score 35 - 0.

The fourth quarter was very similar to the third. Carthage and Center both turned the ball over on downs. Then Carthage and Center both lost fumbles to each other. The game finally ended with the final score Carthage 35 Center 0.

Note: This week the Roughriders host Diboll for homecoming. Game time is 7:30.

The Freshman Roughrider football team hosted Carthage at Roughrider stadium yesterday afternoon. In the first quarter the Roughrider's took the opening kickoff and ran it back to their own 24 yard line. The offense relied on the legs of Derek Thomas, Trey Johnson and Javarius Rankin to drive the ball 74 yards down the field. The drive was capped off by a 4 yard run by Derek Thomas over the right guard. The try for 2 was fumbled and Center failed to convert the extra points. Carthage came back on their next possession and scored on a 40 yard run by #22 Bulldog running back (note: I do not have the names of the Carthage players because the Carthage coach did not provide a freshman roster.) Carthage went for two on a pass play to the back of the end zone but the pass sailed over the head of the intended receiver. The score was tied 6 - 6. The Rider offense went 3 and out on their next possession, Tony McCollister boomed a 50 yard punt that pinned the Bulldogs down at their own 10 yard line. The Bulldog offense fumbled the football and Fernando McDonald recovered the loose football for the Riders at the 15 yard line.

The second quarter started with the Riders on offense at the Bulldog 15 yard line. Two plays later, Derek Thomas scored on a 10 yard run. Riders threw a pass to Shaquille Ingram that was batted down by the Bulldog defender. Center led 12 - 0. The rest of the second quarter was mostly defensive. Center completed a pass only to fumble the ball to Carthage. Carthage offense starts a drive, looks like they may tie the score but Scooter Cloudy intercepts the Bulldog quarterback and returns the ball back to the Bulldog 25 yard line. The clock expires before the offense could get the ball into the end zone and the half ended Center 12 Carthage 6.

The third quarter started with Center fumbling the football on the first play from scrimmage. Carthage took over at the Rider 48 yard line. The bulldog offense ran three plays and punted the ball back to the Riders. The Riders got the ball back at their own 33 yard line. The offense attacked the bulldog defense up the middle and off tackle. The best run of the drive goes to Javarius Rankin who had a 40 yard dash down the Bulldog 5 yard line. Trey Johnson had the next touch taking the ball down to the 1. Javarius Rankin bulled ahead for the 1 yard touchdown carry. Center went for two, but Derek Thomas was stopped short of the goal line. Center led 18 - 6. The Bulldogs returned the kickoff back to their own 46 yard line. They threw a pass and got the ball to the Rider 41 yard line. On the next play the Carthage running back #22 ran the ball 41 yards for the Carthage touchdown. Carthage tried to pass the ball into the end zone for the 2 point conversion but it was knocked down by Scooter Cloudy. Trey Johnson took the Bulldog kickoff and returned it 85 yards for the Rider touchdown. DJ Bolton tried to run the ball in to the end zone for the 2 point conversion but was tackled shy of the end zone. The third quarter ended with the score Center 24 Carthage 12.

The fourth quarter started with the Bulldogs on offense. They threw a long pass that was caught and ran down to the Roughrider 5 yard line. From there Carthage ran a sweep with #22 for the touchdown. They ran a second sweep with #22 for the 2 point conversion which brought the score to Center 24 Carthage 20. The Riders started their next drive on their own 25 yard line. Drove the ball down the field to the Bulldog 25 yard line and fumbled the ball back to Carthage. Carthage QB threw a 40 yard pass which took the ball down to the 23 yard line. With time expiring on the clock the Rider defense stopped the Bulldog offense, with big plays by Fernando McDonald, Kyle Clinton and Jerrenzic "Ren" Evans the ball went back over to the Riders with 1:19 left to go in the ball game. Final score Center 24 Carthage 20. The freshman travel to Diboll next week with game time starting at 5 pm.

Center JV Football vs. Carthage JV - October 9, 2009
Submitted by Chris Mayfield

The Center Junior Varsity Football team played an exciting game last night at Roughrider Stadium against the Carthage Bulldogs. The Roughriders opened the game with an 84 yard offensive drive. Johnny Sudds finished the drive on a 17 yard touchdown run. Cameron Cloudy ran a quarterback keeper around the left side for the 2 point conversion and Center led 8 - 0. The Bulldogs returned the kickoff to their own 46. The offense came out ran 3 plays and punted the ball. Cameron Cloudy muffed the punt and Carthage recovered the ball at the Rider 17. Carthage running back Michael McCune ran 17 yards over the left side of the line and scored the Bulldog touchdown. Itsvan Castillo added the extra point making the score Center 8 Carthage 7. The Bulldogs pinned the Riders at their 9 yard line when the kickoff went past our deep return men.

Center started the 2nd quarter deep in their own territory. Runs by QB Cameron Cloudy and running back Johnny Sudds had the Center offense moving steady down the field. Johnny Sudds capped this 91 yard drive with a 9 yard run over the right tackle. Johnny Sudds also carried the ball on the 2 point conversion but was tackled at the 1 yard line. The rest of the second half was all defense. Carthage ran the kickoff back to their own 30, ran three plays and punted the ball back to Center. Center ran 3 plays and punted the ball back to Carthage pinning them at their own 7 yard line. Time expired with Carthage on offense. The score at the half was Center 14 Carthage 7.

The third quarter started where the 2nd quarter ended. Both teams were playing good defense with the difference being Center's special teams. Carthage's 2nd possession of the 3rd quarter started at their own 13 yard line. Three plays later Carthage was having to punt the ball to Center out of their end zone. Center started their drive at the Carthage 39 yard line. 3 plays later the Center offense was facing a 4th down 1 yard to go, Cameron Cloudy ran a speed option to the left, optioned the ball to Myles Netherly who carried the ball 30 yards for the Rider touchdown. Cameron Cloudy tried a QB keeper around the left side for the 2 point conversion but was tackled shy of the end zone. At the end of the third quarter the score was Center 20 Carthage 7.

In the fourth quarter the Rider Defense kept the Carthage offense in check. With time running out in the game the Rider Offense started a drive at their own 11 yard line. QB Cameron Cloudy had a 25 yard run. Johnny Sudds carried the ball for 44 yard run down to the Bulldog 4 yard line. QB Cameron Cloudy kept the ball around the left side and ran in for the Rider touchdown. Cameron Cloudy completed a pass to Demmerick Thomas for the 2 point conversion which made the score Center 28 Carthage 7. Carthage returned the kickoff to their 48 yard line. The Bulldogs had a couple of runs and were assisted by a 15 yard face mask penalty and a 10 yard penalty because Center had 12 men on the field. From the 9 yard line, Carthage scored on a reverse to wide receiver Carnelius Lewis. Itsvan Castillo added the extra. Carthage tried an onside kick but the Riders were there to recover the ball. Time expired with Center on offense. The Final Score Center 28 Carthage 14. The Junior Varsity travels to Diboll next week with game time being around 7 pm.

Riders Run Over Bullard - October 3, 2009
By Chris Mayfield

The Center Varsity Football team hosted Bullard at Roughrider Stadium friday night. The Roughrider offense started the game by taking the opening kick and marching down the field to the Bullard 27 yard line, but a mix up in the back field between the quarter back and running back allowed a fumbled football. The Roughrider defense came out and allowed Bullard to run 3 plays before punting the football. Demarcus Brown returned the punt 72 yards for a touchdown but it was called back for a holding penalty. Late in the first quarter, Center took possession of the football at the Bullard 24 yard line. On the first play from scrimmage Tre Sudds ran the ball 19 yards down to the 5 yard line. Kevinski Pitts carried the ball for four yards down to the 1 yard line and Tre Sudds carried the ball up and over the top on a dive play for the Roughrider touchdown. Damian Bolton added the extra point and the Roughriders were leading 7 - 0. Still in the first quarter, Bullard started their next possession at their own 26 yard line. The Panther offense on the arm of quarterback Marquez Franklin passed the ball down the field before stalling at the Rider 19 yard line. The Panthers attempted a 34 yard field goal, it had the distance but went wide to the right.

The second quarter started with Center on offense. Roughrider quarterback Deandre Simmons hit a couple of hitch passes before stalling out at the 50 yard line. Center punted the ball back to Bullard. Center got the ball back from Bullard on an interception by Jeremy Small who returned the ball to the Panther 15 yard line. On the first play the Riders ran a reverse to wide receiver Ryan Goodwin who carried the ball across the goal line for the second Roughrider touchdown. The Damian Bolton extra point was good and with 6:34 left on the clock in the second quarter, Center led 14 - 0. The Center defense kept the Panther offense in check, they ran three plays and punted the ball back to Center. Center started their next possession at their own 24 yard line with 2:08 left on the clock. Center had a couple of runs by Tre Sudds and Deandre Simmons which placed the Rider offense in Panther territory. Deandre Simmons completed a 42 yard pass to Ryan Goodwin but he was tackled at the 1 yard line. Tre Sudds took the next handoff and plunged over the right side for the Rider touchdown, the Damian Bolton extra point was blocked. The score at the half was Center 20 Bullard 0.

The third quarter started with the Riders kicking the ball to the Panthers. On the first play from scrimmage Panther QB Marquez Franklin was intercepted by Alderian Berry who returned the ball to the Panter 11 yard line. Two plays later, Tre Sudds scored on an 8 yard run. The riders went for two and QB Deandre Simmons ran the ball in to the end zone for the two point conversion. Bullard was still unable to get any offense going against a very aggressive Rider defense. They punted the ball back to the Riders. The Rider offense took the ball and went right back down the field scoring on a 6 yard pass from Deandre Simmons to Ty Hubbard. Ryan Goodwin ran the ball in for the Rider two point conversion. At the end of the third quarter the Riders were in control 36 - 0.

The fourth quarter started with the Panthers trying to put a few plays together on offense. Not having any success with the running game, the Panthers decided to air the ball out. Jeremy Small got his second interception of the night and returned the ball to the Rider 40 yard line. The Rider offense attacked the Panther defense both on the ground and in the air, capping things off with a 9 yard pass from Deandre Simmons to Ty Hubbard for the touchdown. Damian Bolton kicked the ball through the uprights to add the extra point for the Riders. Bullard returned the Rider kick to their own 31 yard line. On the second play from scrimmage Panther QB Marquez Franklin was intercepted by Jeremy Small (Jeremy's third int. for the night) who returned the ball to the Rider 46. The Riders scored on a 50 run around the left end by Tre Sudds. Damian Bolton added the extra point. The final score was Center 50 Bullard 0.

The Roughriders are 4 wins 1 loss in preseason and travel to Carthage to start district play next Friday. Game time is 7:30.

Freshman Game

The Center Freshman traveled to Bullard to take on the Panther football team. In first quarter action Bullard took the opening drive and marched 57 yards, scoring on a misdirection play, sweeping around the left side for a 7 yard touchdown. The holder fumbled the snap and wound up lobbing the ball into the end zone for the two point conversion. Center took the kickoff and was unable to get much going on offense - running three plays and then punting the ball. Bullard offense took over at their own 37 yard line and went 63 yards scoring on an 11 yard out and up pass. Center had more difficulty getting an offensive drive going and an errant punt, the punter bounced the football off of one of his up backs, giving the panthers possession at the Rider 30. The Panthers scored on a 20 yard out and up pass to the split end. Trey Johnson penetrated the line of scrimmage and blocked the extra point. The first quarter ended with the score Bullard 21 Center 0.

The second quarter was a defensive battle with neither team putting any offense together. At the half the score was Bullard 21 Center 0.

The third quarter was almost a repeat of the second with both teams playing well on defense. Late in the third quarter Center started a drive on their own 29 yard line. A couple of runs from Javarius Rankin and Trey Johnson found the Riders almost to mid field. When QB Derek Thomas hit DJ Bolton for a 38 yard pass the Riders were in Panther territory. The panther defense tightened and the Riders gave the ball back when a fourth down pass failed. Bullard took over at their 33 yard line and marched the ball down the field scoring on an 8 yard run up the middle. Once again Trey Johnson penetrated the Panther line and blocked the extra point.

With 3:00 left in the fourth quarter Center scored when QB Derek Thomas kept the ball and ran up the middle, cutting to his right he out ran all defenders and scored. Center tried a sweep around the left side of the line with Augustine Johnson but he did not get in to the end zone. Derek Thomas intercepted a pass with less than a minute to go in the game but time expired before the Riders could finish their drive. Final score Bullard 27 Center 6. The Freshman host Carthage next week at Roughrider stadium game time is scheduled for 5:00.

Junior Varsity Game

The Junior Varsity traveled to Bullard to take on the Panthers on Thursday night. Center took the opening kick and returned it to their 36. Cameron Cloudy started the Roughriders off in a positive direction picking up 36 yards on a QB sweep around the left side. Cameron Cloudy threw a 21 yard touchdown pass to Jay Berry. Johnny Sudds capped things off with a run off tackle for the 2 point conversion. Center led 8 - 0. Bullard took the kickoff up to their own 45. The Center defense intercepted the ball and returned it to their own 32 yard line. The first play from scrimmage Johnny Sudds carried the ball 68 yards to the end zone. QB Cameron Cloudy tried to run the ball in for the 2 point conversion but was stopped shy of the goal line. Center and Bullard exchanged fumbles and the Riders started their next possession at the Panther 25 yard line. A pass from Cameron Cloudy to Melvin Suell moved the ball to the Panther 13. Cameron Cloudy's next pass was a 13 yard strike to Davian Criswell for the Rider touchdown. Melvin Suell tried a run around the left end for the two point conversion but was stopped short of the end zone. The first quarter ended with the Riders leading 20 - 0.

Around the middle of the second quarter Bullard started a drive on their own 45 yard line. They drove the ball down to the Rider 6 yard line. Bullard scored on a 6 yard plunge over the left tackle for the score. Bullard QB tried to keep the ball on a rollout play but the Rider defense was there to make the stop short of the goal line. It was mostly defense for the rest of the second quarter. The game was postponed due to lightning and was never resumed.

Final score Center 20 Bullard 6. The Junior Varsity hosts Carthage next week at Roughrider Stadium with the game time being immediately following the Freshman game.

The Center Junior Varsity Football team travelled to Jasper to play the bulldogs Thursday afternoon. I attended the freshman game in Marshall, but I did get some highlights of this game to pass along.

The following are highlights from the Roughrider Offense:

Johnny Sudds had the games only score on a four yard run to pay dirt. The two point conversion failed. Jay Berry had 2 catches for 75 yards. The longest was a 65 yard pass from Cameron Cloudy.

The Roughrider Defense shut out the Jasper Bulldogs on their home turf last night. These are defensive highlights from the game:

The Center defense created 5 fumbles in last nights contest. Center recovered 4 of the 5 fumbles. Lynn Burns recovered 2 fumbles and Lynn Johnson recovered one fumble.

Cameron Cloudy had an interception and Justin Simmons had an interception which sealed the game for the Riders.

Final score Center 6 Jasper 0. The JV travels to Bullard next week, game time will be around 7:00.

The Center Freshman football team traveled to Marshall Thursday night to take on the Maverick Freshman. The first quarter was a defensive battle with the Mavericks scoring first on a quarterback misdirection play. The Maverick QB took the ball faked to the tail back and swept around the right side to score from the 5 yards out. The Mavericks went for two on a pass to the tight end who dropped the ball. With 1:40 left in the first quarter the score Marshall 6 Center 0.

The Center offense had trouble sustaining a drive and punted the ball back over to the Mavericks. The punt was downed around the 12 yard line. The Mavericks ran a sweep right, the Rider defense was there to stop the sweep, the Maverick running back reversed his field and gave a little ground and came back around the left side, running down the sideline for an 88 yard touchdown. The fullback dive up the middle was good for the two point conversion and the Mavericks led 14 - 0. The Center offense had a couple of runs for positive yards by Derek Thomas and Trey Johnson but a third down pass was dropped and the Riders had to punt the ball back to Marshall. Marshall drove the ball down to the field and scored on a 2 yard dive play to the fullback. They tried the same play for the 2 point conversion but the fullback was tackled in the back field. The score at the half was Marshall 20 Center 0.

The Center defense stopped the Mavericks on their opening drive forcing them to punt. The Riders got the offense going and drove the ball down the field for about 70 yards. Derek Thomas scored on a handoff over the right tackle. The Riders went for two running Derek Thomas up the middle, but he was stopped short of the goal line. The scoring drive covered 70 yards.

The fourth quarter was a defensive battle. Rider QB Cody Carlton threw a 30 yard pass to Tony McCollister, which go the ball down to the ten yard line of the Mavericks , but a dead ball personal foul penalty placed the ball back to the 25. The Maverick defense stiffened and that was as close as the Riders would get to another score. The game ended with the final score Marshall 20 Center 6. The Freshman travel to Bullard next week kickoff is at 5.

In the second quarter the Roughriders blocked a punt, Grant Belrose scooped the football and returned it for two yards. The Roughrider offense took the field and drove the ball to the Panther 17 yard line before the offense stalled out. Julio Martinez came on and kicked a 25 yard field goal to increase the Center lead 10 - 0. The Riders scored again late in the second quarter with 1:39 left to go in the half, De Andre Simmons hit Ty Hubbard with a 39 yard strike, Julio Martinez added the extra point and the Riders went in at the half ahead 17 - 0.

The third quarter scoring started with the Roughrider defense returning an interception to the Panther 32 yard line. The offense drove the ball down to the 7 where Rider QB De Andre Simmons took the ball on a quarterback keeper and scampered in the end zone. Julio Martinez added the extra point and the Riders were in control 24 - 0. The Spring Hill Panthers took the kick, ran another reverse and got field position near mid field. The Panther offense took a page from the Nacogdoches' play book, running the ball behind the big guys in the middle and taking chunks of yardage on each run. A hot pass to the tight end took the ball deep into Rider territory and Spring Hill capped off their 64 yard drive with a 4 yard run by the quarterback around the right side of the line. The extra point was blocked making the score 24 - 6. On the first play of the Riders next possession De Andre Simmons hooked up with Ty Hubbard on a 40 plus yard pass and catch. Hubbard was tackled on the 5 yard line. The next play De Andre Simmons took the ball on a Quarterback keeper around the left side and scored on the 5 yard run. Julio Martinez kept his string of kicks perfect adding the extra point to increase the Riders score 31 - 6.

The fourth quarter scoring started with 9:18 left in the game, De Andre Simmons threw a 45 yard pass to Jaelyn Short who out ran all Panther defenders to the goal line. The Julio Martinez extra point was good making the score Center 38 - Spring Hill 6. The Riders mounted one more offensive attack late in the fourth quarter with 2:28 left to go in the game, Tre Sudds burst over the right side of the line for a 1 yd touchdown run. Julio Martinez capped off a perfect night adding the extra point. Center ruined Spring Hill's homecoming beating the Panthers 45 - 6.

The Roughriders have the week off, their next opponent will be Bullard at 7:30 on Friday October 2. The Roughrider's improved their record to 3 wins 1 loss. I look forward to seeing everyone at the next game.

Center Junior Varsity Over Spring Hill 14-8 - September 18, 2009
Submitted by Chris Mayfield

The first quarter of the JV game was a defensive battle. Center started the game by receiving the kick off. After running the ball for a couple of first downs the riders threw the football and it was intercepted. A stingy rider defense kept the panthers from putting anything together on offense and the panthers had to punt the ball back. The first half was played mostly in the middle of the field. Towards the end of the second quarter Spring Hill ran a trick play that got them deep into Rider territory. Landry Lee, the Spring Hill QB, kept the ball and ran up the middle for the first score of the game. The Panthers went for two on a sweep around the right side and made it. The score at the half was Spring Hill 8 Center 0. Center kicked the ball off to start the second half. Spring Hill fumbled the ball on their opening drive, Center recovered the loose ball on the Panther 42 yard line. The Rider offense drove the ball down to the 8 yard line where Johnny Sudds took the handoff and scampered in for the Riders first touchdown. The Riders went for two handing the ball to Johnny Sudds over the right tackle and the try for two was good. At the end of the third quarter the score was tied 8 – 8. In the middle of the fourth quarter Center took the ball away from the Panther offense. 3 plays later rider Quarterback Cameron Cloudy throws a pass to Jay Berry for a 40 plus yard touchdown. The try for two failed. The Rider defense kept the panthers in check and Center won 14 – 8.

Center Freshman Fall To Spring Hill 7-0 - September 18, 2009
Submitted by Chris Mayfield

The Center 9th grade football team started the game by kicking off to the Spring Hill Panthers. After allowing one first down, the Center defense stiffened and the ball went over on downs to the Roughriders. The Center offense drove the ball down the field on runs by Trey Johnson and Derrick Thomas but the Spring Hill defense stopped Center on their 25 yard line and the ball went back to Spring Hill when a fourth down failed to convert. The half ended with the score tied 0 – 0. The second half was pretty much a repeat of the first half, most of the football plays occurring between the 30 yard lines. The third quarter ended with the score tied 0 – 0. In the fourth quarter Center’s offense started a drive in their own territory and drove the ball down to the Spring Hill thirty yard line but lost the ball on a fumble. Spring Hill was unable to put any offensive plays together and punted the ball back to the Riders. Riders got the ball back on their own 28 yard line with 1:37 left on the clock. Cody Carlton, the center Quarter Back, rolled out to his right and threw a pass to Trey Johnson in the flat that was intercepted and returned for the only score of the game by Spring Hill. The extra point was good and the game ended with the score Spring Hill 7 Center 0.