The Rough Rider defense was stifling early on, staying in their lanes and not giving North Side much room to operate.
Kardai Meyer, and Isaac Bukasa both had two big tackles for a loss on the first defensive possession to force a North Side punt.
The Steers put points on the board on their next two drives, but the Rough Rider special teams came up big for the second straight week as Tyler Self ensured that North Side did not convert on a two point conversion.
Saginaw continued battling and broke through with a score late in the first half. With pressure bearing down off the edge, Roman Morales found Aidan Collier for a 68-yard catch and run across the middle of the field for the score to pull Saginaw within 14-7 at the half.
The third quarter was a scoreless affair, with the Rough Riders continuing to battle to get back in the game. All three levels of the defense continued to feed off of each other, and make several standout plays to limit the Steer offense.
The fourth quarter saw North Side score a touchdown to extend the lead to 21-7, but Jimmy Howard answered right back with a 70-yard touchdown, showing his speed and elusiveness, and breaking tackles to bring Saginaw right back within 21-14.
The Rough Rider defense had several key stops in the fourth quarter, to put North Side in unfavorable situations.
After a Steers score following a turnover, Morales and the offense moved down the field in a hurry. He found Noah Ambriz for a 34-catch and run, Collier had a 13-yard reception and Ambriz finished it off with a wide open 21-yard score in the endzone, to get Saginaw within a touchdown.
On the next defensive series, Frank Westmorland forced a fumble to pin North Side deep in their territory. Unfortunately, Saginaw had a turnover that ended the game.
Morales finished with 209-yard passing and two touchdowns. Collier, and Ambriz were the leading receivers, and each recorded a touchdown reception. Junior offensive lineman Will Flenner had a great game, and earned player of the week honors.
Defensively, Jonathan Lawson tallied nine tackles and an interception that put the offense in great field position in the first half. Robert Moreno and Caleb Lamas each tallied eight tackles.
Saginaw will remain on the road this week, as they will kick-off district play with a trip to take on Burleson Centennial. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7.
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