Roughriders back on track with conquest of Raiders

Southwest sophomore Deric Kelley is on his way with a first-half touchdown pass even though Medicine Valley sophomore Lucas Einspahr (26) did his best to distrupt this journey during Thursday night’s contest in Bartley. The home team won.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

BARTLEY, Neb. — Sophomore Jacob Barber clipped off 230 rushing yards and junior Houston Billeter threw four more touchdowns in Southwest’s 51-20 conquest of Medicine Valley Thursday night.

Barber delivered three TDs to give the Roughriders (3-2 record) superb run-pass balance.

Houston had no problems as he’s tossed 10 TD passes during the past two contests.

Billeter fired six scoring strikes during the 67-45 loss at Wallace last week. Though the ’Riders only totaled a modest 167 pass yards, both senior Trenton Williams and sophomore Deric Kelley caught two TDs.

Williams finished with 84 receiving yards; Kelley 77. Billeter competed 12 of 20 throws overall.

Barber needed only 15 carries to reach 320 which means he averaged 16.1 per tote.

Southwest’s 416 total yards vs. Medicine Valley was a good remedy following tough losses to Wallace and unbeaten power Arthur County.

The visiting Raiders put up a fight despite now 0-5 this season. They’ve also already played Arthur County and Six-Man No. 1 Sumner-Eddyville-Miller.