 Royalton football is 9-1 on their season and they're back in the state tournament, something they haven't been able to achieve since 2008. Our Taylor Archer went to practice on Tuesday to talk with the team. Eight years ago the Royalton Royals lost in the state championship. Now they're back in the state tournament and hope to make it a different experience this time around. It's great for the program and I know the kids are excited. I know they had set out as a goal to be able to practice in November and here we are. It's awesome. I mean, a lot of the guys that are just graduated in the last couple of years that are watching our games, they wish they were us and it's awesome knowing that we're one of the top teams in our conference. The Royals are preparing to face Eden Valley Walkins, who is also 9-1 on the season. Very loaded. They have a very good offense. Three-year starter at quarterback. Kids are very, very good. They can put the ball where he wants to, when he wants to. They've got big receivers, fast receivers. Very good at passing. Their quarterback is, he can throw the ball very well. We need to get good at our pass defense. That's how we need to win. When I spoke to coach Moore Ford and his players a few weeks ago, they stressed the importance of staying conditioned and watching film before facing an opponent. And that mindset has not changed for the state tournament. For a team like Eden Valley where they're going to play basketball and turf, they're going to want to go up and down the field quite a bit. So we have to be in condition. I know that the kids have still been working really hard in the film room, doing extra film in the morning, film on the side. You have to keep running and just work harder than the other team. And the Royals will continue to utilize their work ethic to get a win this weekend. In Royalton, Taylor Archer, Lakeland News. And their game in the Class 2A State quarterfinals will also be tomorrow. That game's in Brainer though at 7 o'clock p.m. against Eden Valley Walkins. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.