August 31, 2026 (Photo Album) - The Center Riders Varsity Football Team opened the regular season with a 46-19 loss at home to the Van Vandals on Friday, August 28th.
The Roughriders first offensive drive resulted in a 20-yard drive, but Van defense kept pressure on the new offensive line. The Vandals first offensive drive resulted in their first touchdown of the game with a 45-yard run by #24 with a reversed facemask penalty against the Riders. On the Roughriders second drive, quarterback Easton Wulf was able to run for a big gain, but a 5-yard penalty resulted in a quick three-and-out. Van quarterback, Rawley Hinch, threw a pass that was intercepted by #8, Jojo Mitchell, putting the Riders at the 15-yard line. With 5:30 left in the 1st quarter, the Riders were not able to take advantage of the extra opportunity to score after a setback from 3 flags on the drive. Starting from the Rider 30-yard line, the Vandals succeeded in getting into the end zone on just two runs giving them a 14-0 lead with under 2 minutes left in the first quarter.
The Riders started the 2nd quarter off strong with the Rider defense holding off the Vandals with a three-and-out and Jackson Holloway with a 10-yard punt return. A flag against the Vandals offset the flag against the Riders, putting the Riders in Vandal territory. At fourth-and-three, the Vandals had an offsides flag, giving the Riders a first down. Riders recovered a fumble, but the strong Vandal defense prevented the Riders from scoring on the drive.
With 5 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, Reyes of the Riders' 30-yard field goal attempt was blocked. Despite Hinch's back-to-back false starts, he managed to rush the ball into the end zone. A Vandal extra point attempt was no-good, giving the Riders one last drive to create momentum before half-time. The final 2 minutes of the half were plagued by flags on the offense, leaving the Riders unsuccessful at getting a first down, giving the Vandals another chance to score in the half. Van took advantage of the time and holes in the defensive line to make another field goal attempt, leaving the Riders down 23-0 at the end of the first half.
The Vandals started the 2nd half with a 30-yard run which was brought back by a 15-yard penalty after a Vandal player ran into a Rider coach. The penalty did not stop the Vandals from continuing their running game by scoring another touchdown, giving them a 30-0 advantage. #8, J. Mitchell took over for Wulf as Center's QB, but was unable to gain any traction. Van scored another touchdown on their next drive, leading 37-0. The Riders managed to move the ball due to an unsportsmanlike flag against the Vandals. With a fresh set of downs, Mitchell threw a 20-yard pass to Henderson, putting the Riders in their first trip into Vandal territory. After several running plays by Barnes, Wulf, now at tailback, and Mitchell, the Riders managed to get their first touchdown of the season.
Easton Wulf, on defense, was able to strip the ball from the Vandals, putting the Riders at the Van 20-yard line. Touchdown was made by a pass to #35, Jaylan Henderson. The extra point was blocked, Van ran the ball all the way down the field for a touchdown; score now 39-13 with 8 minutes left in the game. Rider defense held off Van's running game, allowing only one more touchdown. In Center's last offensive drive, Villegas gave the Riders another touchdown; final score of 46-19.
The Roughriders will host the Cornerstone Christian School on Friday, September 4, 2026. Kickoff at Roughriders Stadium will be at 7pm.
