TOUGH DEFENSE
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Riley Rider (30) and the Elkins defense converge on a Liberty ball carrier Friday night at Tiger Stadium.
ELKINS -- Before the season, Elkins coach Jimmy Hankins had high praise for his group of linebackers.
"They will be the strength of our defense," the third-year coach said during a break from a preseason practice. "Our leading tacklers from last season were our linebackers and most of the group is back."
During Friday's season opener against Liberty, Riley Rider showed why his coach was correct in his prediction.
The junior seemed to get his name called on the PA system on every defensive play as he finished with a team-high nine stops and several assists. Rider also garnered carries on offense from the running back spot.
"Riley had a great year for us last season and we expect him to once again be one of our leaders on defense," Hankins said. "He really has a nose for the ball and does a great job of tackling."
Although the Tigers fell short on Friday, the defense made several key stops, including forcing three turnovers -- an interception by senior Christian Lopez and fumble recoveries from Cayden Ramirez and Jayden Harding.
The offense showed signs of life with the running game but three first-half turnovers led to Elkins falling behind 14-0 at halftime and eventually losing by a count of 21-6.
Nick Bowers had a rushing score for the Tigers.
Elkins looks for its first win of the season this Friday night at Lincoln, which is coming off a 54-0 victory over Braxton County on opening night.