After 'Tough Losses,' Roseville Raiders Football Looks to Rebound

Chris Simdorn, the Roseville Raiders football team’s head coach, is frustrated.

His defense is playing better than last year, he says, and the team’s offensive speed is “very solid.” And Roseville High's quarterback, Jacques Perra, is second in the Suburban East Conference in passing yards and earning the attentions of recruiters.

But after a 28-14 loss to playoff rival Mounds View last Friday, Roseville finds itself four games into the season with just a single win.

“Record-wise and result-wise we’re disappointed in where we’re at, at 1-3 in the season," Simdorn said. "But we have had the opportunity to win every one of those football games that we lost.

“It’s been some tough losses but the kids are definitely competing hard, still believing that they’re a good football team and that things are going to be turned around.”

Simdorn has managed to transmit his brand of hopeful realism to his players.

Ben Farmer, an outside linebacker and wide receiver, is looking toward his graduation at the end of the year and trying to make the most of every game.

“I’ve only got a few more games left in my career so I’ve got to look forward to every one,” he said. “We’ve had a couple rough games, a couple close losses, but we’re a few plays here and there from being a 4-0 team. I feel pretty confident and optimistic about the rest of the year.”

Simdorn said the highlight of the football program this year has been the increased school spirit and community participation.

The Endzone booster club, which started this year, has thrown tailgating barbecues before home games, bought new jerseys for the middle school program and provided yard signs that read “Home of a Roseville Football Raider” to all the high school players.

The first two home games of the year have been played to packed crowds, numbering in the thousands, a larger turnout than is usual for early season games.

“There’s been a lot more excitement about Roseville football from the youth football all the way up through high school,” Simdorn said.

Farmer said he’s helped teach elementary players at summer football camps.

“We’re making great strides to bring in the youth and middle school and connect it with the high school program,” Farmer said.

The Raiders play their next game at 7 p.m. this Friday at Forest Lake.