Rogers' football team is taking a liking to the state tournament.

The Royals earned their third consecutive state tournament appearance with a 29-14 victory over Delano in the Class 4, Section 5 championship on Saturday at Husky Stadium on the St. Cloud State campus.

Rogers scored the first two touchdowns, on runs of 11 yards by senior halfback Mitch O'Neil and 1 yard by senior quarterback Matt Weber.

The Royals controlled the game with their efficient Wing-T offense. Senior fullback Kyle Williams rushed for 174 yards on 24 carries while senior running back Jack McGuire added 110 yards on 12 attempts. Williams scored on a 7-yard run before halftime, giving Rogers a 22-7 lead.

Delano senior quarterback Cody Mathisen completed 15 of 32 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns.

Rogers (9-1) made its first state tournament appearance in school history in 2009, and was the state runner-up last year.

Moorhead 24, Brainerd 20: The fourth-seeded Spuds (6-5) are returning to the state tournament for the first time since 2003, avenging last year's section final loss to the Warriors (7-4) in the Class 5A, Section 8 championship at Husky Stadium on the St. Cloud State campus.

Junior running back Chase Morlock ran for 127 yards and three touchdowns. He scored on runs of 3, 3 and 5 yards.

Brainerd senior running back Nick Welch rushed for 169 yards and 15 carries, and scored on a 48-yard run. Warriors senior quarterback Mitchell McLain threw two touchdown passes.

The Spuds' defense forced four fumbles and an interception. Moorhead also beat Brainerd during the regular season, 17-7.

STAFF REPORTS