River Ridge looking for history against Land O'Lakes

River Ridge has a chance this week to do something it hasn’t done since head coach Ryan Benjamin was a player – beat Land O’Lakes.

“They know they’re playing for a lot,” Benjamin said.

The Royal Knights’ last win over the Gators was a 30-21 triumph in 1996, when Benjamin was a senior. But River Ridge (5-3) has a chance to change that Friday against Land O’Lakes (5-3).

Benjamin’s team came up a few yards short in last week’s 20-13 loss to Sunlake. River Ridge blocked two kicks and had three interceptions but couldn’t convert on offense. Linebacker Kevin Bartlett – who leads the team with 55 tackles - made one of the game’s biggest plays, forcing a fumble on a handoff to give the Royal Knights a final gasp.

A River Ridge victory this week would secure its best season since 1999 and mark another milestone in Benjamin’s first season.

“This team has reestablished football at River Ridge,” Benjamin said.

Teams in post

• River Ridge High School