by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
The Granite City Renegades semi-pro football team defeated the Twin Cities Sabercats on July 23 in the final game of the regular season. They won 40-18 at the game played at St. John’s University in Collegeville.
Head coach Brett Weaver said team quarterback Ryan Fay and running back Michael Iverson led a powerful offense with Fay going nine of 13 in the air for 193 yards and four touchdowns. Iverson caught one of those touchdowns and also ran one in. Renegade player Sean Hayden led the ground game with 85 yards rushing.
Their defense had a solid lead with Kyle Crozon’s five solo tackles – two for losses and two sacks, and Houston Spooner and Pat Lopez capturing two fumbles. Weaver said defensive coordinator Jake Hutt has done an outstanding job this season running one of the best defenses the Renegades have ever had.
The Northern States Football League playoffs begin Aug. 6, and the Renegades are the No. 3 seed. The team, which includes members from Sartell, Rice and St. Joseph, for example, will travel to Minneapolis to play the South Metro Patriots.

The Granite City Renegades semi-pro football team handily defeated the Twin City Sabercats, 40-18, during the final regular-season game held July 23 at St. John’s University, Collegeville. They are now ranked No. 3 in the Northern States Football League, which will start playoffs Aug. 6.