Rocori Vs. Rogers In State Football Quarter Finals

Now it's really time to "put up, or shut up".

Not that the Rocori Spartans are a bunch of smack talkers, because they certainly aren't.  They have the demeanor of their leader, Head Coach Mike Rowe; relaxed, confident, loose, and smart.  That's the way they act, and that's the way they play.

And they will need to call upon all of those qualities, if they are to achieve the ultimate goal of a state championship.  First things first, they face a very good team tomorrow night in Rogers.

The Rogers Royals are used to being here.  They expected to be here since the first day of practice this summer.  They had one surprising loss to Elk River, but other than that have dominated the Mississippi Eight Conference.  They have a powerful running game that has not really been slowed down all season long.  They have a terrific defense that allowed one touchdown, or less, in six of their ten games this year.  Plus, the Royals are very big up front, both on offense and defense.

But historically, this is about where the ride ends for them.  Enter the Spartans.

Rocori returns 17 starters from a team that was (2-7) last season - but that seems like centuries ago.  The Spartans are one of the state's best kept secrets, and very well may be overlooked in a bracket with perennial powerhouses; Mankato West, South St. Paul, Bemidji, and Hill-Murray.  Only Hill-Murray is on Rocori's side of the bracket, so the Spartans wouldn't face any of the other three teams mentioned above, until the championship game.  It's a favorable draw for the Spartans, to be sure.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves - the Rogers game tomorrow night will be no picnic!  But the Spartans have come from behind to win games this year, and have also jumped out to fast starts.  They have played high scoring, and low scoring games.  This year's Spartans are superb at making changes and adjustments on the fly, or at halftime, and the proof is in the record.  The players believe in the coaches, but more importantly, the coaches believe in their players.

Make sure to join myself, along with Chris Chapman for all the action tomorrow night, on our sister station AM 1240 WJON.  Pregame is at 6:45, kickoff at 7pm, live from Husky Stadium at SCSU.

Of the 32 high school playoff football games being played this weekend, Rocori vs. Rogers  IS THE ONLY GAME IN THE STATE TOMORROW!  That's right, all eyes will be on our game at Husky Stadium!

Prediction?

Well, I am the voice of Rocori football, so I am more than just a little partial to the Spartans.  I do have a feeling, though, that each defense may have trouble stopping the opposing offense.  And we haven't really seen a true nail-biter yet this year - I think one may be in store.

And, of course, Rocori will emerge victorious.

33-27, sounds about right.

Then we'll see you next week at the Dome!