Roughriders end as a team
By EMILY SCHERESKY
Intern
Southern McLean’s last game of the season was played against the South Heart Cougars in Belfield. The Roughriders were able to advance the ball multiple times in their first chance at offense, but they were pushed back by a number of penalties. A fumble recovered by the Cougars stopped the Roughriders in their tracks. However, Southern McLean made sure South Heart did not break through their defense, and the first quarter ended zero apiece.
South Heart was quick to bring more aggression to the field, as they scored a 32-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. The Roughriders were unable to successfully push the ball in their offense, but defensively, they sent the Cougars flying backward. Two consecutive sacks were made, the first by freshman Alex Frederick and the second by senior James Acevedo and sophomore Karter Hansen. Together, these defensive plays pushed back the Cougars offense nearly ten yards.
Along with the two sacks was an interception caught in the Cougar end zone by senior Tate Bertolotto. Even with the strong Roughrider defense, the Cougars were able to push through and score one more touchdown this quarter, along with a sneaky two-point conversion. The half ended 14-0 in favor of the Cougars.
