Mount Vernon Wildcats Football VS Southridge 09-26-25

Mount Vernon Wildcats Football VS Southridge 09-26-25

The Mount Vernon Wildcats battled hard Friday night at Memorial Field but came up short against the visiting Southridge Raiders, falling 21–6. The Raiders built an early lead behind a powerful ground game and controlled the tempo for most of the evening. Mount Vernon’s lone score came late in the fourth quarter, capping off a gritty 99-yard drive that showcased the Wildcats’ determination to keep fighting until the final whistle.

Southridge struck early in the first quarter when Cooper Sherman broke loose for a 53-yard touchdown run just over two minutes into the game. Later in the quarter, Justin Leathers added an 18-yard touchdown, and another Leathers score from nine yards out in the second quarter extended the lead to 21–0. From there, the Raiders’ defense held firm, keeping the Wildcats off the scoreboard until the closing minutes.

Despite the scoreboard, Mount Vernon’s defense made several key stops to keep the game from getting out of hand. Twice in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats recovered Southridge fumbles deep in their own territory — one on the two-yard line and another on the one-yard line — denying the Raiders additional scoring chances. Those defensive stands set the stage for Mount Vernon’s best offensive series of the night, a 99-yard march that ended with a six-yard touchdown run by quarterback Brady Schickel.

Statistically, Southridge controlled the game with 384 total yards, including 288 on the ground. Leathers led the Raiders with 120 rushing yards and also threw for 96. Mount Vernon finished with 158 total yards, most of them earned the hard way against Southridge’s tough defense. Running back Shane Krieger led the Wildcats with 60 rushing yards on 18 carries, while Saint Henderson added 31 yards. Through the air, Brady Schickel completed seven passes for 34 yards, with Logan Clowers catching four passes for 12 yards, Luke Weintraut grabbing one for 17, and Cael Collins adding two for five yards.

While the loss drops Mount Vernon’s record, the Wildcats showed heart and resilience throughout the contest — particularly in the second half, when their defense repeatedly turned Southridge away and the offense found rhythm late. Coach and players alike will look to build on that fight and discipline as they prepare for next week’s matchup, aiming to turn the late spark from Memorial Field into a stronger start in their next outing.