Ledezma, Allred lead Royal over Eatonville

SEATTLE - The Royal Knights didn't know much about their season-opening opponent, the Eatonville Cruisers. Apparently, they didn't need to.

Royal took advantage of five Eatonville turnovers and got a solid outing from quarterback Austin Allred to upend the Cruisers 34-23 last Saturday at the Emerald City Kickoff Classic at Qwest Field.

Knights head coach Wiley Allred said last week he hadn't had much chance to study Eatonville on film, but Royal got the season off to a successful start anyway. A 12-yard touchdown pass from Austin Allred to tailback Hector Ledezma, and a 30-yard fumble return from defensive back Cash Brown put the Knights ahead 14-0 after one quarter.

The Cruisers quickly narrowed their deficit in the second quarter. Royal was called for a penalty in its end zone, giving Eatonville a safety, and Cameron Homan returned the ensuing free kick 68 yards for a score, pulling Eatonville within five points at 14-9.

The teams traded scores before halftime. Austin Allred hooked up with Ledezma again, this time from 22 yards out. Eatonville made the score 21-16 at the break on a 1-yard run from Daniel Kathman.

Royal had a much better third quarter, a 12-minute span in which it all but put the final result on ice. Allred, who finished 17 of 25 for 170 yards, threw his third touchdown on a 25-yard strike to Colt Brown. Ledezma also found paydirt for the third time, scoring on a 7-yard run to push the Knights' lead to 34-13.

Eatonville's final score came in the fourth quarter when Kathman waltzed in on a 38-yard interception return.

Eatonville fumbled the ball eight times, losing four of them.

Royal had a balanced offensive attack. Ledezma had 52 yards on 19 carries, with Allred adding 32 yards on five carries. Colt Brown caught five balls for 54 yards, Ledezma three for 48 yards and Cash Brown four for 32 yards.

The Knights return to action this Friday at Naches Valley. Game time is 7 p.m.