Submitted photos – Roller Derby returns to the Redwood Acres on Saturday night.

By Ray Hamill — Humboldt Roller Derby returns to the North Coast on Saturday night with a doubleheader of games at the Redwood Acres’ Franceschi Hall.

The Fall Brawl gets under way at 6 p.m. and runs until 10, and the night’s action will include matchups featuring Humboldt’s Root Force and The Redwood Rollers against a pair of out-of-town teams.

Roller Derby has been a part of the local sports scene for a little over two decades with several events held throughout the year.

Humboldt Roller Derby also competes at events throughout California and Oregon and has even traveled to compete in Canada.

And for those involved with the sport, it doesn’t get any better.

“It is a very competitive, full-contact sport,” Humboldt Roller Derby’s Linette Cortes said. “There’s nothing quite like it. It’s a lot of sports in one. It’s fast paced and action packed.”

Tickets are available at the door and there will be concession stands serving food, as well as beer, cider and seltzers from several local breweries.

“It’s a very unique event that we put on by ourselves,” Cortes added. “It’s fun and we love it so much.”

On Saturday night, The Root Force will face off against the Southern Oregon Derby and The Redwood Rollers will match up against Monterey Bay Roller Derby,.

The local association features 30-40 skaters, according to Cortes, and dozens of volunteers who help put the events on.

Humboldt Roller Derby also hosts two training camps every year for anyone interested in learning how to compete or just skate or become a referee.

There will also be games at the Redwood Acres on Oct. 19 and Nov. 16.

Tickets are $15 at the door and $12 in advance at STIL in Eureka and at Wildberries in Arcata, with children under 10 free.

Doors open at 5 p.m.

Fo more information you can visit the Humboldt Roller Derby website.