The Triad football squad knew going in what it was up against Friday evening at West Jefferson.
The Riders have a powerhouse offense that had scored 376 points and a defense that has allowed only 147 all season.
The scoreboard may have favored the Rough Riders at 61-28, it is the 195 yards of total offense for the Cardinals and two special teams touchdowns of which The Cardinals can can be proud.
Triad head coach Zach Winslow has been preaching balance all year and on Friday, he got it out of his offense.
The Cards rushed for 100 yards on the ground and threw for 95.
Jordan Simonelli led the charge for the Cardindals on the ground.
The Triad quarterback picked up 54 yards and a touchdown.
He found Coleman Hauck nine times through the air to pick up 81 yards and the Cards’ other offensive TD.
Triad’s special teams found success against the Rough Riders.
Hauck made a second trip to the end zone when he found lightning on a 68-yard punt return.
Ayden Sanford picked up a TD on an 86-yard kick-off return.
The Cardinals slipped to 2-7 with the loss and will close the season at home against a 2-7 Northwestern on Friday.