Knights lead 1A All-State picks

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights football team maintained its place among Washington state’s elite high school football programs with five  1A All-State football selections.

Royal head coach Wiley Allred said his players deserved their recognition.

“I think they all had outstanding seasons,” he said. “It is a reflection of the team’s success.”

The Knights were led by senior wide receiver and defensive back Blair Collins who earned first-team selections on both offensive and defensive.

Royal senior offensive lineman Tanner Freeman was Royal’s second first team player on offense.

Allred said Freeman is a talented football player.

“He is one of the best offensive linemen I’ve coached,” he said. 

The Knights had three first team All-State defensive selections in senior defensive lineman Jace Christensen, senior linebacker Angel Ledezma and Collins.

Royal had one honorable mention All-State selection in senior quarterback and captain Connor Paysse.

Allred said he is proud of his players’ All-State selections.

“Only one team gets the ultimate goal,” he said. “It’s nice to see recognition for the individuals.”

The Knights were not the only Columbia Basin team with All-State selections.

The Othello Huskies had two first team 2A All-State defensive selections in senior defensive lineman Jakob Scott and junior defensive back Devon Lind.

Senior linebacker Miles Gardner earned an honorable mention All-State selection for Othello.

Almir-Coulee/Hartline had one 1B All-State selection in junior defensive lineman Reid Ashley Jr.