By Joe Bachman
Editor

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Opportunity knocked multiple times for the Royals, but they just couldn’t answer in a tough 19-7 loss versus Abbotsford on Friday night.

The Falcons of Abbotsford started off the game hot, putting up two touchdowns in the first quarter, including a run from over 40 yards out by quarterback Ean Rau. However, after a turnover late in the second quarter stopped the Falcons from going up three scores, the Royals would capitalize with a Teddy Ashbeck 1-yard touchdown run.

At halftime, the Royals were down 13-7.

In third quarter play, both teams struggled to put points on the board in a defensive battle that would see four turnovers in the game. The Royals threatened deep into Abbotsford territory twice in the second half, but failed to find paydirt.

Midway through the fourth quarter, it was Ean Rau again, this time taking a quarterback sneak from Falcons territory the distance for a game-sealing touchdown to put the Abbotsford up 19-7. Assumption would see improved play on the defensive side of the ball, but without injured quarterback Jake Sullivan, the Royals are still finding it hard to put points up on the scoreboard.

The Royals drop to 2-3 on the year and look to rebound next week as they take on Gilman on the road.