Rogers scored 21 unanswered points after a sloppy beginning to overcome a fast start by previously undefeated St. Francis. Senior running back Blayne Kasper rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns, and junior quarterback Tanner Palm added the game-winning touchdown to lift the Royals (4-1) over their North Central Blue subdistrict rival. St. Francis (4-1) scored on its first three drives to take a 17-0 lead. But it struggled offensively in the second half as Rogers became the aggressor.

Key of the game: Rogers' second-half physicality. The Royals sustained several long drives in the half, despite turning the ball over on downs twice and fumbling inside the red zone.

Quote: "I hope we learn from this just how good we are capable of playing, but we have to come out and play consistently." — Rogers coach Marc Franz

One thing to know: A Rogers player was taken off the field in an ambulance in the fourth quarter. He was talking and moving his arms in the ambulance, the team trainer said. Play resumed after about a 20-minute delay.

NATE GOTLIEB