This had to be Coach Tilghman's worst nigthmare. Up by 18 points at halftime and comfortably in control to a team they were suppose to beat , Tilghman feared a letdown. His fears became reality when his team made costly mistake after mistake allowing McKinley to steal a victory in the wanning seconds of the 2nd half by the score of 18 - 22.

    The Riders opened up scoring in the first quarter when Rider fullback Andre Willis rammed in from one-yard out. Willis' touchdown plung was set up following a briiliant run off-tackle by running back Quantrell McKissick (8 rushing attempts, 27 yards). The Riders followed this score with two field goals by kicker Obed Gomez; the first a 31-yard field goal in the 1st quarter followed by a 24-yard field goal in the 2nd quarter. In addition to his two field goals, Gomez made several game-saving tackles on special teams and was by far .

   The Riders ended the 1st half scoring with an exciting 32-yard run by receiver Calvin Brown (4 catches, 27 yards) on Roosevelt's pattened  reverse play. "We've been having success running that play for years," coach Tilghman stated. The Rider defense was able to keep Mckinley out of the end zone recording 3 quaterback sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

   One would think that with a double digit lead at half time coach Tilghman would be happy but that was far from the truth. "We made too many mental mistakes," stated an irritated coach Tilghman at the half time break. "I don't know if our guys think they can just show up and beat these guys or what, but we don't seem very focused right now."

   Tilghman's half time concerns were prophetic. The Riders ,istakes started on the opening kick-off of the 2nd half when Brown downed the ball at the 5-yard line thinking he wasin the end zone. McKinley was able to get a safety (2 points) when Rider quarterback Imani Kelly was sacked in the end zone making the score 18 - 2. The RIders could not sustain another drive which allowed McKinley to stay in the game and momemtum began to shift McKinley's way. Tech scored on a 4-yard pass late in the 3rd quarter making the score 18 - 8 and scored again with 4 minutes left in the game on a blocked punt that was returned for another touchdown.  With 2 mintues left in the game McKinley broke the Riders back with a 50-yard touchdown pass giving them their first lead of the game 22-18. The Riders made one last desperate attack to try and salvage the victory, but the drive ended with a Kelly interception and the Tech fans and players celebrated their well earned victory.

   "We were able to eliminate the penalties and mistakes from the first half," stated an elated Cornell Simms, head coach of the McKinley Tech Trainers.