Box Score
March 15, 2003 Columbia River Coyotes vs. Boise Roughriders

BOISE 40 COLUMBIA RIVER 0

NAMPA - As the Boise Roughriders took the field for warm-ups before their Saturday pre-season game with the OFL's Columbia River Coyotes, the heaven's opened and torrential rain pelted the team and the field for almost 45 minutes... but as game time approached, the rain stopped and the night grew calm and peaceful, perhaps an omen or a symbolic microcosm of the Roughriders 2002 season leading into their 2003 campaign. "The storm has passed, let the good times roll..." The Roughriders did roll. After a shaky start which saw the Roughriders lose 3 fumbles on three straight possessions, the Roughriders put it together and put the game away with a 27-point second quarter and pulling away for a 40-0 opening game triumph over a gritty Columbia River squad.

Patrick Avent crashes off right tackle in early action.

Roughriders 40+ year-old quarterback, Tom Bennett tossed 4 touchdown passes, 2 to perennial RMFL all-star, Chance Leeds and 2 to his new 2003 receiving mate, Jared Gast, as the Boise offense started to roll in the second quarter. Bennett and the Roughrider offensive brain trust mixed up the plays well showed a resurgence in the running game as well, putting together more than 100 yards rushing to add to the passing efficiency. Defensively, the Roughriders were nothing short of dominating throughout, holding the Coyote offense to less than 100 total yards of offense and turning two turnovers directly into scores including a remarkable 67-yard interception return for touchdown in the third quarter by 2000 RMFL Defensive MVP, Patrick Avent, who showed incredible speed on the return. According to Avent, "I've lost about 15 pounds since last year". And it showed.

The Roughriders were impressive on all fronts, including a great home display at Nampa Christian School. From the programs to the National Anthem, the Roughriders exhibited class throughout in showing they will be a team to contend with in 2003. The new-look Roughriders presented a complete 52-man roster that included many of the old Roughrider standouts like Avent, Wittenborn, Leeds, Dennison and company, but also many new additions that include a couple of stars coming from other teams, including Robert Tracy (Panthers) and Fernando Vale (Bulldawgs), among others.

Roughriders head coach, Chuck Hudson talks to his new place-kicker, Robert "Rock" Crothers prior to game.

Columbia River	0	0	0	0	0
Boise	7	27	6	0	40

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