Roughnecks rally on the road
White Oak defeats Elkhart in last game before district play
by: Keller Lott
The Roughnecks traveled nearly two hours to Elkhart and took on the Elks in an offensive shootout Friday, September 23, capturing their first win on the road 55-52.
White Oak focused on the run game racking up 441 yards on the ground to go along with seven rushing touchdowns, one coming from senior Asriel Sosa. Filling in for the injured quarterback, Landyn Grant, senior Noah Carter scored six rushing touchdowns tying the school’s single-game record.
“Tying the school record means a lot to me,” Carter said. “It gives me a lot of confidence heading into district play that all of the teams that have come through this program were able to match this record.”
Carter moved from receiver to quarterback this week, playing there for the first time since his freshman season.
“I feel like I took on a bigger leadership role this week playing quarterback because my teammates looked up to me before the game, and they knew I had to step up in a new position,” Carter said. “My teammates and coaches made me feel great. They told me that they knew I could do it, believed in me and never talked down on me.”
Despite his record-setting rushing performance, Carter attempted three passes and completed one to senior Holden Hodges for a 40-yard gain. Hodges also recorded seven tackles defensively.
“The run game was so successful because we knew it was important and we drilled it all week,” Hodges said. “This win greatly increases my confidence going into to district knowing we can run the ball well. My coaches and teammates made me feel appreciated and excited after the win, and the atmosphere was amazing.”