The Southland football team opened its season with a 32-22 win at Saint Clair (0-1 overall) Friday.

The Rebels (1-0 overall) took an early 14-0 lead in the first quater when Carl Mueller threw a 36-yard TD pass to Chris Webber and Jared Landherr had a five-yard TD run, but Southland had a couple of bumps in the road to victory.

The Rebels had a chance to go up three scores in the fourth quarter, but Saint Claire forced a turnover and pulled within 32-22.

“We had some key people go down and that hurt us. We had to put in other guys who aren’t really ready to play varsity yet,” Southland head coach Shawn Kennedy said. “We need to be more disciplined. We are not in game ready shape yet and the kids realized that tonight.”

Mueller threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns in the win and Jared Landherr scored three TDs.

Kennedy was pleased with the sportsmanship of St. Clair as they shared a meal with the Rebels.

“I thought that was really cool and the parents who helped serve the meal were really awesome and they had some really respectful kids,” Kennedy said. “It was good sportsmanship.”

SOUTHLAND STATS

Passing: Carl Mueller, 9-for-13, 182 yards, 3 TDs, INT

Receiving: Jared Landherr, 3-for-69, 2 TDs; Chris Webber, 2-for-48 TD; Wilson, 1-for-33; Parker Brigham, 1-for-22; Colton Mandt, 2-for-12

Rushing: Lee Wilson, 4-for-90, TD; Jared Landherr, 6-for-13, TD; Brigham, 7-for-11