Royal routs Zillah in playoff game

ROYAL CITY — Royal looked harried at times but earned a stout 41-0 win against Zillah Tuesday.

The Knights had a good many things on their minds, including Saturday's game against Lakeside, when they stepped out onto the field.

"We needed to come out strong early," said Royal head coach Wiley Allred. "We just wanted to get this game over with so we could focus on Saturday."

When Royal got down to business, it was tough football as usual.

On Royal's first possession of the game AJ Eldredge returned a Zillah punt to the Leopards' 9-yard line before being brought down and on the ensuing play Eldredge handed the ball off to Daniel Garza who took it in for a touchdown for a quick 7-0 lead after the PAT.

The Knights' defense took to the field and held Zillah to a mere 16 yards of total offense and five first downs in the first half. The defensive unit also forced six consecutive four-and-out possessions for the Leopards before the half.

"The defensive line got up field," said Allred. "Trandon Benson, Luke Carter, Victor Hernandez, Brian Delay and a few other guys we rotate in played well."

In the meantime, the offense continued to have it's way with Zillah's defense.

Royal's second touchdown of the night came on a two-play drive beginning at the Zillah 30-yard line. Eldredge connected with Colt Brown for a 29-yard score to put the Knights up 13-0.

Midway through the second quarter Royal found themselves backed up by a false start and two incomplete passes on the Zillah 44-yard line before tapping Hector Ledezma for some work out of the backfield.

Ledezma gave Royal the spark they needed, earning a 40-yard gain on his first carry and finishing the drive off with a 4-yard touchdown run. Ledezma headlined Royal's next possession as well, earning 48 yards and a touchdown on two carries. He ended the night with 13 carries for 123 yards and one reception for 20 yards.

Cruising with a 27-0 lead, Royal continued to take it to Zillah on offense.

Garza lit up the scoreboard again with a 71-yard touchdown run. Garza finished the night with eight carries for 111 yards.

Both teams struggled through the third quarter, punting the ball away and failing to convert on fourth-and-short situations.

As the final minutes of the third began to wind down, Eldredge came out of pass coverage to earn the first of two interceptions for Royal. The second pick was hauled in by Austin Allred during Zillah's next possession.

The Knights took over on their own 32-yard line and as the fourth quarter began, back-up quarterback Austin Allred took the ball in on a quarterback keeper to give Royal their final touchdown of the night.

Royal ended the night with 442 yards of total offense and held Zillah to just 74 yards. Eldredge was 6-for-13 for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Austin Allred had three carries for 63 yards and one touchdown. Blair Collins had one catch for 50 yards. Brown had two catches for 31 yards. Zach Lewis had one catch for 24 yards.

The Knights face Lakeside at 1 p.m. Saturday in Deer Park.