Is a three-peat in the cards for the Royal High Knights?
Bob Kirkpatrick/The Sun Tribune - A Knights defender deflects a Jacks pass during a preseason jamboree with Quincy and Okanogan Aug. 25.
Bob Kirkpatrick/The Sun Tribune - Sophomore QB Sawyer Jenks readies to receive the snap in the scrimmage with Quincy.
Bob Kirkpatrick/The Sun Tribune - Coach Allred talks strategy with a Knight on the sidelines.
ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights are a force to be reckoned with. Make no mistake about it.
The 1A SCAC East Conference powerhouse has one of the top ranked football programs in Washington with seven state titles in 10 championship appearances, and are looking to three-peat this season.
Last season’s championship win over Connell was Royal’s second time winning back-to-back titles without a loss.
“It was exciting and very rewarding for the kids,” said coach Wiley Allred.
It is that same success the team saw last season, which Allred strives to see again.
A few big names returning for the Knights this year include wide receiver Corbin Christensen, tight end Isaac Ellis, running back Alonso Hernandez, offensive guard Raynor Beierle, and Ramses Gonzalez at tackle.
Allred hopes their confidence and experience of performing on the big stage will have a huge impact on the team as the Knights prepare for another championship run.
Over the past four seasons, the name “Jenks” had become a household name to those familiar with the Royal football program, as multi-talented quarterback Kaden Jenks guided the Knights to consecutive state championship titles in 2015-16.
With Kaden now graduated, the torch has been passed to his younger brother sophomore Sawyer Jenks, who will lead the Knights attack.
Allred looks to establish a stronger ground and pound game this season and noted his defensive squad looks stout and ready to lay some licks on the opposition.
“I’m really excited to see them perform,” Allred said. “I think they’re really going to surprise some people this year.”
The Knights will kick off their season with back-to-back non-league games against the 2A Ellensburg Bulldogs who went undefeated in CWAC play in 2106, and the Othello Huskies, which reeled off seven straight wins. Royal defeated Ellensburg 21-14 in the Knights season opener last year.
“Both of these will be big contests,” Allred said.
But it’s league rival and state runner-up Connell Allred says, who will be their toughest competition in 1A play.
“They have a solid program,” he said. The Eagles have big, athletic players returning this season who will be difficult to move around Allred explained.
With the road to the championship game in their sights, the Knights kick off their season on Friday, Sept. 1 in Ellensburg. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.