Knights defend championship in the Dome

Royal charges after sixth championship

ROYAL CITY — How does Royal prepare to defend a state championship?

The same way they prepare for every other game — with game tape at head coach Wiley Allred's home and plenty of practice.

"We're doing fine," said Allred. "We'll watch film Thursday night at my house. We're going over Friday afternoon."

This week in practice, the team has been going through their paces and making sure that snaps, plays and tackles are as crisp and hard-hitting as they can be.

"We're trying to make sure we're two deep in every position," Allred said.

Royal will be matched up against Tonasket, a team they defeated in last year's quarterfinals on their way to the state title. In that game, Royal routed Freeman 29-7.

"Right now we're playing to win," said Allred. "We're trying not to worry about the other team."

Despite doing their best to stay focused on the task at hand, Royal has scouted Tonasket after the courtesy game tape swap.

"We need to be tough on defense up front," Allred said. "They're primarily a rushing team so the offensive and defensive lines need to step it up."

Allred said he expects that Patrick Dorsing and Garrett Werlinger will have solid games, if last week's game is any indication of their post-season play. For seniors, Dorsing, Werlinger, Jeff Jack, Ray Valle, Kyle Scroggins, Tyler Freeman, Kalvin Stakkeland, Shaun Meseberg, Skyler Hebdon, Patrick Bustillos, Zach Latimer and Brian Gilbert Saturday's game will be their last chance to play as Knights.

"They're (Jack and AJ Eldredge) playing through it tough, leading by example," said Allred.

While Royal's head coach is trying to play it relaxed, he admits there is some pressure being the returning state champs.

"Friday Harbor came close to beating us last week," Allred said. "If you're not ready to play at this point in the season, you're going to get beat."

Royal will face Tonasket Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Tacoma Dome.

"We're focusing on what can go right," said Allred.