By JOHN DYSERT
The Evening Leader

ELIDA - On paper, St. Marys' 28-6 victory over Elida Friday night was impressive.

Two backs over 100 yards rushing and another with 84; 476 total yards; 22 first downs; a defense that limited Elida to 114 total yards and only one score.

But the stats don't tell the story.

It was ugly.

"A win's a win, but really, it wasn't pretty at all," said St. Marys head coach Doug Frye. "We're glad to come out with the win, but we have a lot of work to do."

St. Marys (3-2) held the Bulldogs (0-5) in check all night, but teetered on the verge of self destruction most of the contest - receiving nine penalties that cost 95 yards and losing two fumbles, including one inside Elida's ten yard line.

St. Marys led 7-0 at the half, thanks to a 28-yard scamper up the middle by Brandon Meyer, but missed scoring opportunities from 23, 10, 24 and 33 yards in the first two periods.

The Roughriders struck quickly in the third quarter, however, courtesy of a John Meinerding to James Mabry 17-yard touchdown pass and a 33-yard run off left tackle by senior Bob Huttis.

Elida's lone score, which came mid-way in the final period, was the result of an 84-yard drive that was facilitated by 45 yards worth of St. Marys penalties.

"We were our own worst enemy tonight," Frye said. "But the kids showed character, and we're going to continue to get better. This is my 17th year of coaching and the last three years my teams have been the least penalized in the league. We're gonna keep working."

Frye's game plan coming into the contest was to contain Elida quarterback Zac Miller, who in the first four contests of the season had proven dangerous to opponents with his passing and scrambling abilities.

The Roughriders managed to squelch Miller's plans last night, though, as the senior only completed four of 22 passes for 44 yards. Elida's score came on a touchdown pass, but it came the play after Miller left the game with a leg injury. Elida's backup quarterback Matt Rinaldi hit tight end Ty Frankhouser for the score.

"The key was keeping Miller inside," Frye said. "We didn't do a good job of that against Kenton, and it hurt us. We did better tonight, though."

St. Marys' final score came on the first play of the fourth quarter, when Huttis scored on a 48-yard run.

Meyer led all rushers with 171 yards on 22 carries. Huttis gathered 147 yards on 15 carries, while Josh Lamb recorded 84 yards on 17 carries, most of which came on inside dives.

Meinerding was three of eight passing with a touchdown. Huttis, Mabry, and Jason Homan each grabbed one reception for the Roughriders.

Allen Clum, Elida's head football coach, said the loss was frustrating for his team, which hasn't won a game yet this year.

"We're still searching for that first one," Clum said. "St. Marys played well and contained Miller. We just couldn't establish anything offensively."

Frye spoke of his long term plans with the Roughrider football program, stating that problems the team is experienceing now will be worked out over time.

"We have to take care of St. Marys," he said. "We're rebuilding this football program from rung one. Right now we must focus on not beating ourselves. It will come."

The Roughriders travel to Bath on Friday.