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ALTAIR – The Rice Raiders varsity football team felt like their offense was much better than their lone score performance against the no. 2 ranked Columbus Cardinals for their first loss of the season. They got their chance to prove it as their offense returned along with plenty of former Raiders for Homecoming on Sept. 15 against Palacios. Rice found their biggest scoring performance of the season, breaking the 50-point margin for the first time and finished the game with a 56-7 victory.
While the offense may receive a lot of attention for its explosive outing against Palacios, the defense had an equally dominant night as they held their opponent to a net gain of just 20 yards. The Raiders allowed just 54 yards through the air as they stifled the Sharks’ passing attack. The rushing attack for Palacios was nonexistent as they finished with a net negative in rushing yards. The Raiders took 30 yards away from the Palacios runners while also forcing an interception and two fumbles; one of which was returned for a touchdown.
The Raiders did not have anywhere near the number of difficulties Palacios had during their own offensive possessions. Rice had their best production on the ground as they picked up 226 total rushing yards with 122 yards through the air.
Dyren Johnson led all runners with 93 yards on just seven carries as the tough runner punched in a touchdown. Glenn Mills and De’Odrick Fitzpatrick also rushed in touchdowns to help boost Rice’s offense. Roger Gradney added one of the longest touchdowns of the night after taking a direct snap and outpacing every player on the sideline for a huge score on a one-play drive.
The passing attack for the Raiders was also effective as Kor’dae Johnson took a majority of the snaps under center. Johnson finished with 92 yards through the air and two touchdowns as Jon Woods and Josiah Cobia each brought down a TD catch after the delivery by Johnson. RJ Meyers took full advantage of his attempt, getting a pass to D’Neriyan Fuller for a 30-yard touchdown.
With the victory, the Raiders got back into the win column and matched their total wins from last season just one month into this season with a 3-1 record. Rice will be looking to continue their hot streak with their first district game of the season as they host Tidehaven on Sept. 22.
