The Osseo community came out in force for its football team Saturday, starting with an 8 a.m. breakfast and subsequent parade. The team responded with its second consecutive victory over its biggest rival. Receiver Damario Armstrong scored the game-winning touchdown on a 21-yard reception and sealed the game with a late interception. Orioles running back Prince Kruah scored on a 2-yard run and quarterback Malik Gaillard scored from 4 yards out. Maple Grove was led by running back Isaac Collins, who scored the team’s first touchdown on a 5-yard pass, and quarterback Brad Davison’s 3-yard touchdown run. The victory came in front of a sold-out crowd at Osseo High School, with many in the Osseo student section wearing bright orange cowboy hats.

Key of the game: The Gaillard-to-Armstrong connection. Gallard’s touchdown pass to Armstrong was into a stiff wind, and Armstrong reached over a defender to grab it in the corner of the end zone. The two also connected on a third-and-long midway through the fourth quarter.

Quote: “This community came out to support these guys, and it’s what they deserve.” Osseo coach Derrin Lamker.

One thing to know:  Osseo defeated intra-district rival Maple Grove 27-26 last season.

NATE GOTLIEB

For a second consecutive year, the Maple Grove-Osseo rivalry came down to the fourth quarter. And for the second time, the Orioles bested their intra-district rival.

Behind touchdowns by running back Prince Kruah, quarterback Malik Gallard and wide receiver Damario Armstrong, Osseo held off the Crimson 22-15 on their home turf Saturday in the season-opener.

Maple Grove had a chance to tie the game late when it took possession with 2:20 left at its own 16-yard line. On third-and-7, however, Armstrong intercepted Crimson quarterback Brad Davison.

Armstrong scored what proved to be the game-winning touchdown in the third quarter on a 21-yard reception from Gallard. He also made a key catch in the fourth, keeping a late Osseo drive alive.

Both teams struggled throwing the ball, with heavy wind blowing all game.

The victory came in front of a sold-out crowd at Osseo High School, with many in the Osseo student section wearing bright orange cowboy hats.

Check back later for more on the game.