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09/27/2005: "Lockington makes 'big' impression under center for Rough Riders"

Lockington makes 'big' impression under center for Rough Riders


By Ian Stauffer / Winona Daily News

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Tory Lockington is listed as a tight end/defensive lineman and the roster says he is 6-foot-5 and weighs 240 pounds.

But Saturday night, Lockington found himself under center, making his first-ever appearance at quarterback as the River Cities Rough Riders took on the Midwest Pioneers in a Mid-America Football League game. And despite being bigger than most of his offensive linemen — and slower than some as well — he was all over Maxwell Field at Midwest Wireless Stadium, leading the Rough Riders to their second win, 26-3.

"I was kind of nervous coming in, I didn't really know what to expect," said Lockington, who completed 16 of 23 passes for 185 yards, two scores and one interception. "I

am used to playing line, so the preparation was harder and very different."

River Cities was unable to finish a drive in the first half, coming up empty twice on drives inside the Pioneers' 20-yard line.

"We ran into some problems finishing, and that has been the case all year," River Cities coach Paul

Anderson said. "We came around in the second half though and Tory did a great job leading this offense."

On the Rough Riders' second drive of the third quarter, Lockington bowled his way over two defenders and went 13 yards for a touchdown, getting a monstrous block from Julius Shelton at the 2-yard line and put River Cities up 7-3.

That score capped a nine-play, 69-yard drive, during which the oversized quarterback was 5-for-6 for 58 yards.

"That was a great drive, and it really got this team fired up," Anderson said. "His run was great and Julius put on a great block."

On the Pioneers' next possession, the snap went over the punter's head and River Cities took over at the 19-yard line.

The Rough Riders wasted no time, scoring on the third play when Lockington rolled right and threw a pass that Carlos Clayburn ran under in the back corner of the end zone.

It took the same number of plays to score on the next possession, but this time it was a 36-yard scoring strike from Lockington to Aaron Woelful in double coverage.

Woelful fought with both defenders, but came down with the ball. The catch was one of seven for

122 yards for the all-star tight end, who is leading the Rough Riders in receiving on the year.

"Tory did a great job tonight," Anderson said. "He was able to

avoid the rush and he found the open receivers when he needed to. I couldn't have asked for more from him."

Billy Alexander picked off Pioneers' quarterback Mack McLarty and ran it back for a touchdown to ice the victory.

River Cities (2-5) is at home again next week when the Rochester Titans come to Winona.