Roseville Builds Defense In Win Over Hastings

Roseville Raiders defensive players have continued to build their confidence through their first three football games of the season.

“We're playing more sound, fundamental football every week,” Raiders coach Chris Simdorn said after his team's 17-14 win over Hastings on Friday night. “We've eliminated some mistakes. We had a number of mistakes against White Bear that cost us. We had some against Park that cost us, a little bit. Tonight, we had very few.”

Roseville had a 17-0 shut-out of the Hastings Raiders going through three quarters on Friday night. Roseville held on in the fourth quarter as Hastings stormed back with a pair of scores off of turnovers in 17-14 victory.

“I wished we had done this against White Bear,” Raiders receiver/defensive back Emeche Wells said. “The defense is the reason why we won this game.”
Roseville gave up 28 points to White Bear Lake in its season opener when the Bears ran up and down the field at will. Roseville squelched a Park of Cottage Grove team the previous week in a 48-23 win after the Wolfpack had put up 30 points the week before.

“It was really exciting,” Roseville linebacker Jake Buckles said about the team's defensive performance. “The adrenaline was just flowing.”

Against Hastings, Roseville kept the opponents' offense from making anything happen. It took an interception by the Hastings defense to get energy back into the offense. Hastings scored again after a questionable call on a stripped ball.

“It's a tough league,” Simdorn said. “You don't get any gimmes in the Suburban East.”

Roseville struggled in the following drive after Hastings cut the score to 17-14. Hastings threatened again on offense, but Roseville's defense rebounded and stopped Hastings for a turnover on downs.

Roseville's offense took the ball down field, and sophomore quarterback Jaques Perra sealed the game with a first down run on a fourth down and seven.

“We knew ahead of time that he was going to get that first down,” Wells said.

With the win, Roseville moved to 2-1 on the season as thek Raiders gear up for their rival, Mounds View, on Friday, Sept. 23. The Mustangs looked tough again with a 17-0 shutout of East Ridge

“The one thing we've talked to them about is consistency,” Simdorn said. “The game can't be a roller coaster. We need have one good play after another.”

“We're getting rid of the bad plays and making the good plays,” Simdorn added. “That's good to see.”