WOODBURY, MN - On a windy night in Woodbury, MN the fans were treated to fireworks on and off the field as they came to cheer on their Royals for Homecoming 2011. The 1st half started out with a bang when the Royals scored on the opening drive starting from their own 20. Jr. RB Quran Al-Hameed capped off the drive with a 1 yard TD run (2 pt. reception by Connor McKeen)to put Woodbury up 8-0. The Roseville Raiders then started from their own 25 and quickly answered back with a perfect pass (35 yards) from Sophmore QB Jaque Perra to Sr. Emeche Wells (PA good by Sam Loveland) and with 9:21 left in the 1st Quarter the Royals led 8-7.

It quickly became apparent - the wind was a factor. So much so, both teams elected to go for it on 4th downs numerous times when facing the wind. Contrast this to kickoffs landing outside the field of play when kicking with the wind - just figure automatic touch backs each time.

The only other scoring in the 1st half was a 31 yard field goal by Woodbury's Trevor Lo. 1st Half Woodbury 11, Roseville 7.

At halftime, the band played well, the dance team rocked under the moon and the fireworks were spectacular!

The Raiders started the 2nd half scoring when kicker Sam Loveland booted one through at 9:36 in the 3rd Quarter bringing the Raiders to within 1.

Then, starting from their own 20 (Woodbury started from their own 20 on 5 occasions), Al-Hameed burst out of the pack for a 76 yard rushing TD (2 pt. failed) and Woodbury added to their lead with 4:37 in the 3rd Quarter. 17-10 Royals.

Then... the fans got more fireworks! 5 possessions, 5 scores. It was like a heavyweight bout with each team getting hit, and hitting back...

Woodbury retrieved a successful on-side kick, and Al-Hameed scored again, this time from 1 yard out (PA good by Tevor Lo) 24-10 Woodbury to end the 3rd Quarter.
The Raiders feeling the pressure proceeded to put a 12 play drive together starting from their own 12 yard line and finished strong with a 6 yard TD pass from Perra to Zach Moriarty (PA good by Loveland) and the Raiders were back within 7.

Woodbury then answered back with a TD pass from Jr. QB Sawyer Moon to Sr. receiver Jordan Voit from 23 yards out (PA good by Lo) and the Royals were again on top by 2 touchdowns at the 8:02 mark in the 4th Quarter. The Raiders then started from their own 20, and not to be outdone, marched 80 yards and finished strong with a 16 yard air strike from Perra to Jordan Skinner (PA good by Loveland) and Roseville was back to within 7 with 5:35 left in the game.

Woodbury then attemped a long FG and missed, giving the ball back to the Raiders on their own 20. Roseville put a nice drive together and were into Royal territory when defensive end Ryan Winter screamed unabated to the QB Perra who never saw him and a huge sack late in the game on a 4th down was credited to Winter! It looked over at that point with just over a minute to play, but Roseville again had life when a fumble was recovered giving the Raiders one last chance. Perra led an impressive drive from the Raider 30 but with 12 seconds left his pass was picked off at the Royal 5 yard line by Conner McKeen who ran all the way back across the field, then turned vertical for 95 yards and scored the final 6 points with time expired!

Woodbury Royals win their Homecoming in grand fashion over the Roseville Raiders 37-24.

Players of the game:
Woodbury - Conner Mckeen, 2 pt conversion and a game ending 95 yard interception for a TD.

Roseville - Emeche Wells, TD reception to get things going, then a strong 2nd half to help keep the Raiders in the game.

Woodbury faces Cretin-Derham Hall at home next week.
Roseville is at home vs. Stillwater.