A full arsenal for Royal

ROYAL - The Royal football team has something going for it.

A solid running game led by junior running back Jeff Jack. Of course, that was to be predicted by none other than teammate James Dykes, who was the offensive threat for the Knights a year ago.

"I told you that Jeff is the man and I proved it this year," Dykes said before practice Wednesday.

Proof is in the numbers.

Jack led the team with 39 total touchdowns and 28 rushing touchdowns. He rushed for 1,362 yards on 160 carries, kicked 77 of 86 extra points and one field goal.

In all, Jack accounted for 314 of Royal's 606 points for the season. And all that was done while playing a little over two quarters a game for 11 games.

"Going into the season, I wasn't sure how I would do as a first-year running back," Jack said. "But I am happy with how things went."

For Dykes, his numbers have gone down, taking in 46 receptions for 600 yards and eight touchdowns. But after showing his abilities last season, Dykes became a target for the SCAC and the rest of the 1A programs to keep an eye on.

Thus, his position on the field has taken other roles.

"I think that is what I am doing," Dykes said. "He (Royal head coach Wiley Allred) has told me I am the decoy here. I don't mind as long as we keep winning games."

"It gets kind of frustrating, but hey, the only that is important is we keep winning the football games," Dykes added.

Royal finished the season with a perfect 10-0 record, defeated two 2A schools during the regular season and is two wins away from reaching the state championship game. The last time the Knights brought home the top trophy was 2000 and hopes not to repeat last year after losing in the semifinal game to Zillah in a 25-0 shutout.

But, following last year's mantra will prove difficult, Royal, whose offensive scheme is more balanced.

"It feels more complete," said Ray Valle, starting quarterback for Royal. "We haven't had a more complete team from top to bottom."

Valle said the game has slowed down for him and once again, the proof is in the numbers. The starting quarterback has thrown the ball 1,678 yards on 117 of 202 passing for 26 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

Jack said his numbers have been helped by the fact that the field has opened up for the passing game, allowing him to pick up the big runs.

"I always notice that in the beginning I don't get the big carries on the first couple runs," Jack said. "Then they throw the ball deep and that is when I get the big runs."

Of course, gearing up for Jack has been a slow process Dykes said, who added that Jack hasn't gotten the respect he deserves. But, gearing up solely for Jack would prove the demise of the opponent, Valle added.

"I hope they do," Valle added. "We will be able to run or pass or go both ways."

The road to the state championship game rests partly on the shoulders of a running back whose offensive stats measure little playing time on the field. And with a quarterback and wide receiver who share the weight, Royal's balance of powers could be the formula needed to hoist another trophy inside the Tacoma Dome.

The only thing stopping them would be a breakdown by them.

"If we come and play hard, it is going to be hard to stop us," Jack said.