Riders welcome alumni with high-octane homecoming win

Here’s the good news: as our national bird, the Eagle is protected throughout the United States from human predators.

Here’s the bad news: at this rate, the Center ISD football program may end up in facing federal prosecution for its treatment of the Eagle.

So far this season, Center has faced convocations of Eagles from Tatum, Canton, and Rusk. Over those three games, Center has racked up 213 points.

“If a point is a bullet, that’s a lot of shots to take at the national bird,” Center announcer Keaton Watlington said. “That’s got to be against the law.”

Center shot 76 of those points at their district rival Rusk Eagles Friday night for homecoming. Though the Eagles scored 48 points, they lost by four touchdowns.

“Such is the nature of the season,” PA announcer Jason Locke said. “To win, the Riders have to outrun and outscore their opponents. But so far, they’re getting it done.”

Before the game, the annual Homecoming Court Coronation covered the field between each 25-yard line. The beaus and sweethearts representing each campus organization were introduced first, forming an honor guard around the nine class duchesses. The student body elected Kylie Hubbard as its princess and senior Jazmin Olivares as its queen.

When the homecoming game began, Rusk struck first with a fumble recovery to end Center’s first drive. They had half the field to cover and did that successfully, scoring first with 8:50 to go first quarter.

Next possession, Center faced 3rd and 13. Cross hit Timothy Johnson for 44 yards and a first down. A second down Cross QB keeper got the team inside the 10 and Kaden Dixon scored from six yards out. With 6:22 in the first, the score was tied.

Center held Rusk to 3-and-out plus a punt. Two plays later, Cross connected with Lance Wilburn for a 55-yard touchdown with 4:11 left in the first. Center led 14-7.

And we were off to the races. On the second play of the next drive, Rusk running back Bricion Griffin broke a tackle and galloped 51 yards to tie the game.

On the ensuing drive, two Cross passes to Wilburn and another two to TJ Belen put the Riders on the Rusk 25. Three plays later, Cross would fake to Dixon then pinball-bounce his way for a 14-yard TD run. With 2:04 to go in the first, it was 21-14.

On the next kick-off, Rusk returned the ball 80 yards to the Rider six. On the next play, Jr. QB Brady Barrier scored on a keeper. It took 22 seconds, but the PAT was no good. The 41-point first quarter ended with a 21-20 score.

On the second quarter’s first possession, Center scored on a 21-yard pass to tight end Colby Lout which capped off a 13-play drive. With 9:59 in the half, Center led 28-20.

Three plays later, Center’s Jermain Hunter recovered a fumble and return it 50 yards to make it 35-20.

Center forced a punt then began a long drive that ended with a 4-yard TD keeper with 3:12 left. The PAT would make it 42-20.

Rusk moved well on the next possession, driving to the 22-yard line and scoring on a screen pass to Griffin. The PAT made it 42-27.

Center took the ball with a few ticks more than a minute remaining. They drove to the 18-yard line with six seconds remaining and decided to try a 36-yard field goal to end the half. Hernandez’ kick was good making the halftime score Center 45 Rusk 27.

At half time, both schools’ military bands performed as they prepare for marching contest that is looming around the corner. After the performances, stadium PA announcer Jason Locke introduced the two newest CHS distinguished alumni, Jen Ihlo (‘73) and Martha Lou Chadwick Scott (’67).

Rusk got the ball to begin the second half, the orchestrated a four-minute drive to score and close the gap to Center 45 Rusk 34.

After the kickoff, Center answered in one play with a 64-yard TD run. It took 13 seconds, and the score was 5234.

Rusk answered with a75-yard drive. They scored on a one-yard QB sneak; with the PAT the score was 52-41. It took a few seconds more than two minutes.

Center’s next drive moved backwards fast. A second down fumble cost the team five yards, and though fortunate to recover the ball, they faced 3rd and 15. Timothy Johnson’s diving catch of a 27-yard Cross pass saved the drive. Two plays later, Cross kept the ball and ran right, then shifted all the way across the field to the left. He made it to the 2-yard line, but a holding call moved the ball to the 21-yard line. A first down pass to DaCalvion Edwards set up the 4-yard TD run by Kaden Dixon. It made the score 59-41.

Rusk converted two first downs, but Timothy Johnson intercepted a pass and returned the ball to the Riders at the Eagle 46.

Two plays later, Rusk tipped a Cross pass and a defensive lineman intercepted the ball. Two plays later, Rusk went deep to the right corner of the end zone where Timothy Johnson intercepted again, returning it to the 32yard line.

The fourth quarter began with the Riders facing 3rd and 20. Cross’s pass was picked by Rusk junior Aiden Barnett. Just like that, the score was 59-48.

So, the Roughriders responded with their season trademark: the one-play score. Cross hit Lance Wilburn for their second touchdown connection of the game, this one for 53 yards. That made the score 66-48.

Center held the Eagles on the next drive and answered with the game’s last touchdown drive culminating with a 6-yard Dixon run. 73-48.

With the second teams coming in for both teams, the Riders forced a fumble and took over with close to eight minutes left. The offense led by TJ Belen put together a slow drive, getting close to the end zone twice only to have penalties push them back. The drive ended with Carlos Hernandez’ second field goal of the night, this one from 30 yards.

The kick concluded the scoring. Center wins 76-48 and moves to the Poultry Festival bye week at 2-0 on the district season.

“We’re glad to get some rest this week because everything ramps up after that,” Coach Meeks said. “Our most important work is ahead of us.”

Homecoming continued with the parade on Saturday afternoon, a school dance and several reunions Saturday night.

After that, the #15 Riders will travel way up I-20 to face the #21 Van Vandals for the most important game of the season so far.