The hot humidity filled the air throughout Friday’s night game. The turf field was moist and the fans covered in “panchos” in preparation for the pouring rain that never came. The anticipation that the homecoming game was going to be cancelled was high, but shortly faded after the players lined up for the kickoff.

The Ranger’s received first, eager to put points on the bored but mental mistakes played a huge role early on. The first drive for the team ended in a fumble which then turned into quick points for the Madison Mavericks as they scored 3-0 early in the first. Mental mistakes again played a key role in the momentum for the team with another fumble driving out potential to put points in the board late in 1st quarter. The Mavericks capitalized and began to march 40 yards down the field and put 7 points on the board off a 35 yard touchdown run, making the score 10-0 early in the first half of play.

Senior quarterback #13 Levi Williams rushed into the end zone with a 12 yard touchdown run to put the team on the scoreboard against the Mavericks leading the score to 10-7.The team powered back off several defensive stops and constant defensive pressure. Halfway through the third quarter, the Mavericks still found their way over the goal once more with an 82 yard touchdown pass.

In the final quarter of play the team battled back for one final drive in the late minutes of the fourth. Quarterback Williams hit junior receiver Drayland Radebaugh on a 30 yard touchdown pass, setting the momentum for the team at an all time high.

The team’s momentum soon faded in the final seconds of the game off a third down Maverick stop and 32 yard missed field that would of sent the game into overtime. The final scores ended with Madison 17-14. The team looks to battle back next week against San Antonio Clemens in Lehnoff Stadium on September 21 at 7:30 p.m.