Running for more

ROYAL CITY — Hoisting a state championship trophy is something that every high school football player dreams of at some point in their career — now, the Royal Knights are aiming to do the same thing for the fourth straight full season.

“We’re excited,” Royal head coach Wiley Allred said. “It’s always fun putting in a new group of kids together and watching them grow, mature and work hard to get better.”

Royal capped off a 12-1 season last year with a 35-20 win over Mount Baker in the 1A State Championship game in Lakewood last December, and they did so by replacing 21 graduating seniors from the year prior. The load is a bit less than last year as the Knights had 13 players graduate off the 2022 roster, though there will be some new faces in key roles.

Defensive coordinator Jeremy Scroggins said that while replacing graduated players is “always a challenge,” it’s streamlined by the quality of incoming varsity players and their mentality when it comes to the game.

“I think we’re really fortunate because the kids have a high standard for themselves, the program and the community,” Scroggins said. “They work really hard, so we’re hopeful that we’re able to fill in more adequately.”

Junior Lance Allred has taken over the quarterback position this season, which was held by his brother Dylan in 2022. After playing receiver for the Knights last season, he said his familiarity both with the offense and with his receivers has assisted in the position change. It’s not his first-time quarterback, as he played the position his freshman year and in middle school.

“We do have a couple returning wide receivers, so I know what they’re doing and how to help them out,” Lance Allred said. “A lot of experience.”

Another returning target is senior Bennett Brown, the Knights’ tight end.

“Last year was my first year playing tight end, learning all the plays and everything,” Brown said. “This year I can get better at my craft.”

Royal lost starting offensive linemen Detton Jenks and Rayce Eilers to graduation last year but retained three starters and a lot of depth to the unit for this season. Brown said he believes the offensive line is one of the team’s strengths.

“We lost Detton (Jenks) and Rayce (Eilers), those guys are really good, but we’re bringing back a lot of depth from last year into this year,” Brown said. “I think that will be a big part of our success this year.”

In the backfield, Wiley Allred said junior Ethan Ellis and senior Jared Lee will step into the role left behind by Kaleb Hernandez.

“We knew going into the year what we had from last year,” Wiley Allred said. “They got some playing time and really did well when they got in the game. Plus, they’ve gotten stronger, a little bit faster and a little bit bigger.”

A strong Royal defensive unit allowed less than four points per game during the regular season, including shutting out four teams. For the Knights to be able to repeat that success, Wiley Allred said it begins with the defensive line.

“It starts up front,” Wiley Allred said. “Our defensive line’s going to have to get off the ball. They’re capable, all of them have played quite a bit. We’re missing Detton Jenks, he was probably our best defensive lineman a year ago. We’ve just got to have a group that’s going to work together, communicate and get off the ball.”

Royal kicks off the 2023 season at home against Toppenish on Sept. 1. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

“It’s always a little bit of luck (to win a championship),” Scroggins said. “Got to stay healthy and our kids have got to keep working. They’ve worked hard in the spring, hard in the summer – got to keep working and get better every day.”

Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.

Royal Football Schedule

Sept. 1 — vs. Toppenish — 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 — vs. Othello — 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 — @ Zillah — 7 p.m.

Sept. 23 — @ Lynden Christian — 2 p.m.

Sept. 29 — @ Wahluke — 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 — vs. Kiona-Benton — 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 — @ College Place — 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 — vs. Connell — 7 p.m.