Section Final Game Thursday November 10th at St. Cloud
State University 7pm. Rogers Vs. Rocori. Go Royals!
Kyle Williams broke through a hole for a six-yard touchdown. Among the blockers were Clay LeVasseur (56), Lucas Bellflower (54) and Jack McGuire (20). (Photo by Bill Jones)
by Bruce Strand, Sports editor
Mitch O'Neill charged toward the flag for the opening touchdown from six yards out. (Photo by Bill Jones)
Delano's Garrett Shelley made this end-zone catch while tightly covered by Andrew Smith. Shelley was ruled out of bounds on the play. (Photo by Bill Jones)
Jack McGuire broke away for a 31-yard run in the second period. (Photo by Bill Jones)
Coach Marc Franz addressed his team after they captured their third consecutive section championship. (Photo by Bill Jones)
The Rogers Royals hoisted their latest section trophy. (Photo by Bill Jones)
Rogers 29, Delano 14
Sophomores 7-0 28-18
The Royals Sophomores finished the season Thursday with an impressive 28-18 road victory over a physical Cambridge-Isanti team. The Royals were able to move the ball consistently, putting together four lengthy scoring drives. The defense played a bend, but don't break style in creating a turnover and several key punts to keep the Bluejackets under control. The win improved Rogers to 8-0 on the year. Congratulations to the Royals on an undefeated season and winning the Sophomore Conference Championship!
Sophomores 6-0 42-0
The Royals Sophomores improved to 6-0 as they defeated Big Lake on the road Thursday 42-0. This was Rogers' most impressive victory of the year as they eliminated many mistakes and played a very sharp game. Rogers was able to move the ball and score early and often, taking a 42-0 midway through the third quarter. The Royals were once again stout on defense forcing many three and outs and turnovers during the game. Rogers will have a tough test next week as they host Elk River at 4:30 on Thursday.
The Royals Sophomores improved to 5-0 with a 36-20 victory against Sartell on Thursday. Rogers played sound defense and controlled the ball on offense to play another sound game. They overcame some shaky Special Teams play to hang on for the victory. Next week the Royals Sophs look to stay unbeaten on the road at Big Lake.
Sophomores 4-0 26-6
The Royals Sophomores improved to 4-0 with a solid victory 26-6 victory at Buffalo on Thursday. Rogers had some big plays on offense and forced multiple turnovers on defense to earn the win. Next week Rogers is back at home in a non-conference match-up against Sartell - St. Stephen, Thursday 4:30.
Sophomores 3-0 31-14
The Royals Sophomores improved to 3-0 Thursday with an impressive victory over previously unbeaten St. Michael-Albertville. STMA took an early 6-0 before the Royals took control of the game with several first half TD's and defensive stops. The first half ended with the Royals leading 31-14. In the second half Rogers was able to move the ball, but made several costly turnovers and penalties that kept the Knights in the game. Rogers' stout defense got several key stops down the stretch as the Royals hung on for a 37-26 win, avenging their loss to STMA last year in 9th grade. The Royals Sophs are back on the road next week as they travel to Buffalo, Thursday at 4:30.
Sophomores 2-0 46-12
The Royals Sophomores improved to 2-0 with a solid victory over Monticello on Thursday at home. Rogers cleaned-up some of their first game mistakes, scoring three first half TD's and forcing several three and outs to take a 24-0 lead into the half. The Royals showed some depth in the second half, with many players getting into the action to finish off an impressive 46-12 victory. Next week the Royals are at home vs. St. Michael-Albertville, Thursday at 4:30.
Sophomores Get first win of season 28-16
The Rogers Sophomores won their opening game of the season Wednesday afternoon, defeating Sauk Rapids-Rice on the road 28-16. Rogers opened the scoring early, taking an early 7-0 first quarter lead. Sauk Rapids-Rice then scored late in the 2nd quarter and converted the 2-pt conversion to take a 8-7 lead with two minutes left in the first half. The Royals quickly rallied and put a TD on the board before the first half ended to make the score 14-8 at half. Rogers went on to build a 28-8 lead through three quarters before Sauk Rapids put up a late TD to end the game 28-16. The Royals sputtered at times with some early season mistakes, but overall put together a solid first game of the season. Next week the Royals are home to take on Monticello on Thursday at 4:30.
9th Grade Game Recap: vs. Elk River
The 9th Grade Royals football team faced off against the Elk River Elks in a border-rival game. Two quick scores gave the 9’ers an early 14-8 lead before the Elks scored before halftime to take a 16-14 lead. The Royals added another touchdown and 2-point conversion to take a 22-16 lead off of a Jake Owens touchdown run, but the Elks came back with a score of their own to tie the game at 22. The Elks 2-point conversion was thwarted by the Royal defense to keep the game knotted.
On the next possession the Royals went on a 5-minute touchdown drive to make the score 30-22, with six minutes to go in the game. The Elks were able to score with one minute remaining, evening the game at 30, and forcing overtime. In the extra period, the Royals failed to convert their 2-point conversion after the Elks scored their touchdown and points after. Final score: 38-36, Elks.
This game brought the 9’ers record to 5-2 on the season, after a 52-6 win over Sartell and a 36-0 win over Big Lake. The season finale will be played at Rogers against Cambridge-Isanti next Tuesday, October 18th.
9th Grade Game Recap: vs. Buffalo
The Rogers Royals 9th grade football team bounced back from a tough loss at St. Michael-Albertville with a strong 22-0 win over the Buffalo Bison. The Royals offense had a couple of early setbacks as long gains were called back due to penalties. However, the team showed resiliency as they were able to punch in a touchdown on their penalty-ridden opening drive. A late 38-yard touchdown pass from Andy Borchardt to Cole Murray gave the Royals a 14-0 halftime lead. The defense held the Bison in check throughout the game and finished off the shutout with a big fourth down stand.
In the second game the Royals jumped out early and often as they piled on four touchdowns in the daylight-shortened B-game. All four touchdowns were scored by different Royal players. The defense continued to dominate as the final score ended up 28-0. The Royal 9’ers (3-1) head up to Sartell to play the Sabres next Thursday, September 29th, kickoff 5:00 p.m.
9th Grade Game Recap: vs. Monticello
This week the Royals 9th grade squads went to Monticello for two games against the Magic. The Royals got on board twice in the first quarter of the “A”-game, eventually coasting into halftime with a comfortable 28-0 lead. The Magic threatened to score late in the game, but a key fourth-down stop secured the shutout in a 34-0 victory.
The offense started early in the “B”game as well, scoring on their first drive. A long defensive touchdown by the Magic looked to turn the tide, but the Royals returned the ensuing kickoff to take back control of the game. The final score ended up 32-6. Defense was the story of the day, as both defenses did no allow an offensive score. The Royal 9’ers take a 2-0 record to St. Michael-Albertville next Thursday (September 15th) for a 4:30 game at STMA West Middle School.
9th Grade Game Recap: vs. Sauk Rapids-Rice
It was a fast start to the 2011 Royals 9th grade season, as the team scored in three of their first four possessions in their opening game against Sauk Rapids-Rice. The defense held the Storm off of the scoreboard in the first half and the offense added a last second touchdown pass before the break. Sauk Rapids-Rice was able to add a touchdown in the second half, but the game was dominated by strong offensive and defensive play by the Royals. The final score ended up 52-6 as five different Royals’ players scored touchdowns in the victory. The Royal 9’ers go on the road to Monticello next Thursday (Sept. 8th) for a 4:30 game at Monticello Middle School.
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