Royal defense creates 14-7 victory

ROYAL CITY - Goldendale proved to be tougher than expected in last Friday's state play-in prep football game at Royal, but the Knight defense ignited a rally in the fourth period with a key stop, and Royal won, 14-7.

As a result, the Knights will play at Colville at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the first round of the state 1A playoffs. Colville features a running back who gained 289 yards in a 33-19 win over Omak.

"He's fast, and he's big," Royal coach Wiley Allred said.

The good news is that Royal may be able to stack the line of scrimmage against the run. Scouting has not discovered a significant passing attack.

Omak provides a little comparison between Saturday's combatants. It gave Colville a battle (19-19 at half) at Colville. It was scuttled, 41-0, at home by Royal the second week of the season.

But Colville is not to be overlooked lest it roar as Goldendale did last Friday. It was a successful 2A program just two years ago.

If a solid defense is what's called for on Saturday, Royal is practiced. After the Timberwolves scored on their opening drive on Friday, Royal had to scratch and claw to keep a spirited adversary from getting away.

Goldendale led, 7-0, until well into the fourth period. Then the Timberwolves made a mistake. They mis-read the Knights' resolve and tried to convert fourth-and-1 at midfield.

Lineman Carter Christensen led a defensive charge that stopped the Timberwolves cold. From that point on, Royal owned the field.

Quarterback Alex Myrick led a drive that included pass completions to Johnny Villanueva and Ricky Ramirez on comeback routes. Damien DeLaRosa bulled into the end zone from the one-yard line, steamrolling one defender, to tie the score.

On Goldendale's next possession, the Knights forced a fumble and pounced on it at midfield. Myrick capped another short drive with a three-yard scoring run to seal Goldendale's fate.

"Give them credit," Allred said. "They played us very well. After that first drive, (our defense) saved us."

Before the fourth period, Goldendale owned the field. Royal had only four possessions in the first half and was bottled up.

"They sacked us four times and took us out of our game," Allred said.

There was not much offense of which to speak. Alex Ramirez led the rushers with 44 yards in 13 carries. Myrick completed eight of 20 passes for 106 yards. Villanueva caught five passes for 61 yards.

On defense was where the Knights shone. In addition to the big stop, Christensen made three solo tackles and had one assist.

Linebacker Brady Dixon led all defenders with 11 tackles, including one for loss, and four assists. Myrick, a safety, had eight solos, one for loss, one assist and one pass interception.

Defensive lineman Reed Lefler had five solos, including one for loss. And Villanueva had five solos and one assist.