The Roughriders held on to avenge a 14-7 loss to the Panthers in 2002 and moved one step closer to qualifying for the 2003 RMFL playoffs.

Although the game was tight throughout, the Roughriders never trailed, taking an initial lead on a 12-yard Tom Bennett (8-15-0-121-1) to Jared Gast (6 receptions, 52 yards) touchdown pass in the 2nd quarter. The reliable Matthew Tefs added the PAT which turned out to be the difference in the game until the Ward touchdown. Cherone Schneider continued to perform solid for the Roughriders at tailback, rushing for 66 yards on 14 carries.

The Panthers finally got on the board in the 3rd period when Manzo Hodge capped a drive through the Roughriders with a 5-yard "touch pass" to Stuart Dennis to pull the Panthers to within 7-6. The usually very reliable Eric Harveson wasn't able to convert the game-tying extra point and also mis-fired on two field goal attempts during the game.

RMFL tackle leader, Zac Jockumsen once again played "Mr. Everywhere" for the Boise Roughriders, getting another 11-1/2 tackles, including a sack on the game, however, it might have been the defensive line play of Austin Callison (3 tackles, 1 sack) and Curt Haldeman (4 tackles, 1 sack) that made the biggest difference. According to Panther center, Travis Hobson, "they were killers! Our o-line had to make some big adjustments thanks to them. It was a hard as hell fought game in the trenches, and only the big plays made the game." Boise's Dan Buhler also had a standout game with 8 tackles with great support from his team, including Smokey Percifield, Dane Knickrehm and Ward who all got key interceptions.