The annual Rider vs. Wichita Falls football game is one of the biggest rivalries that central Texas has to offer. Nearly 15,000 fans pack into Memorial Stadium every year for the game. This year was the 50th anniversary of the first meeting between the two schools. The weather was perfect as fans arrived to the stadium and players in their team buses were brought into the stadium by police escorts.

MVP

O.J. Clarke
Wichita Falls

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Spencer Blacklock

Wichita Falls

Spencer, in addition to being the starting Center on the football team, is also highly involved with many other organizations. He is a member of the Math Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, and more. Spencer will be attending the University of Texas next year to study Chemical Engineering
Justin Anderson

Rider

Justin is a 2 year letterman on varsity football, and a 2 year letterman in Band and a 1 year letterman in Track. He plans to attend Texas A&M to pursue a degree in Engineering

GAME SUMMARY

Although the first quarter ended in a 0-0 tie, from then on out the game was a straight barn burner. Wichita Falls went into halftime with a 21-14 lead over the Raiders after huge plays including a 60 yard pass by the Coyotes and a big fake punt from Rider. The end of the game was easily the most exciting part. Rider took the lead late, 36-35 after a botched kickoff by the Coyotes’ special teams unit. Wichita Falls answered strong though and pulled out the victory with a couple late scores making the final 50-36.

GAME GALLERY