Rodney Dugger returned a fumble 90 yards and scored on a 45 yard touchdown run as the Warwick Raiders improved their record to 2-0 with a 28-6 victory over the Menchville Monarchs on a rainy Saturday night at Todd Stadium.

The rain was a factor early in the game as the Raiders recovered a fumble on the Menchville 33 yard line. QB Lamonte Williams converted the turnover into points when he scored from the 8-yard line to give Warwick the early lead.

After the Monarchs missed a 27-yard field goal, the Warriors drove 80 yards on 9 plays and increased the lead to 14-0 after RB Stephon Hatchett capped the drive with a 3 yard touchdown plunge.

Menchville got back in the game when halfback Odis Wesby scored from the 6-yard line to cut the lead to 14-6. On the ensuing kickoff, Hatchett was injured after he returned the kickoff to the Menchville 45. On the next play, Dugger, subbing for Hatchett, raced 45 yards down the right sideline, including an awesome spin move at the 30, for the Warriors touchdown.

Dugger also made a big defensive play in the third quarter. Menchville drove to the Warriors 3-yard line but fumbled a pitch, which Dugger scooped up and returned untouched to the end-zone for the final points of the game.

Despite the loss, Menchville is a much improved team over the teams that had lost 21 straight games before their win over Wilson. They held the Warwick offense scoreless in the second half and forced three punts on three possessions. The Monarchs finished with 284 total yards on offense but could not finish their long drives. Warwick coach Stan Sexton knows the Warriors defense will need to make stops and get off the field. \“That’s a major concern\”, he said about the Warriors defense that allowed long drives to the Warwick 7, 9, and the 10 yard lines. \“We’ve got to get better. We made some fundamental mistakes that I’m not happy with\”.

Menchville plays Bethel next Saturday at 2 PM and after playing their first two games in the rain, are looking forward to some sunshine.

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