Knights earn first round bye in state playoffs

ROYAL CITY – The Royal Knights (10-0) once again showed their dominance on the field Friday where they earned a 69-0 victory over King’s Way Christian in the 1A District tournament. This victory not only sent the Knights into the state tournament but also gave them the number one seed to have a first-round bye. 

“I thought we played pretty well, we played as a unit,” said Royal senior wide receiver Shea Stevenson. “I credit this one to our linemen, I think they played excellent today and they all complete their assignments and were all dialed in for the game today.” 

The Knights got off to a hot start in the first quarter, quickly gaining the lead over King’s Way with the score at 28-0 in the first quarter. Starting off the second quarter, Knights running back Dax Jenks scored an 86-yard touchdown to extend their lead and would continue this momentum through the quarter to end the half 62-0. 

Coming back from the half, the Knights kept up their defensive front, forcing turnovers, including a pick by Manny Ruvalcaba from the Knights, which resulted in another touchdown after the offense took the field. The Knights would gain possession of the ball one more time before taking a knee to end the game 69-0.  

“We came in ready for anything, we prepared all week and watched film and just listened to what our coaches said,” said Knights sophomore Scout Stevenson. 

Knights head coach Wiley Allred said the team was dialed in on defense during Friday’s matchup and were overall just efficient on all sides of the ball. Throughout the course of the game, the Knights scored on offense, defense and special teams. 

“That was just fun to see,” said Allred. “I think the kids prepared and played how they’ve been practicing this week.” 

King’s Way came into the game in a different formation than what the Knights had prepared for, but he said the players quickly adjusted and rallied to the ball. Throughout the week leading up to the game, he was telling the players to identify King’s Way’s go-to players in preparation for their opponent changing their sets. 

Friday’s matchup was also a good opportunity for the Knights to get focused for the remainder of the seaso,n as the games will only get tougher from here on and that the players need to be on their top performance moving forward, said Allred. Over the next few weeks, the Knights will review film and identify areas that still need improvement 

“Just going to try and hone in on things we need to work on,” he said. “I think we’re improving and we need to just continue to focus on those things.”  

Royal’s players are all feeling the excitement of heading into the remainder of the postseason and will be preparing diligently for their first matchup in the state playoffs. 

“Every week is a new challenge and we have to prepare differently,” said Shea. “We’re going to use this bye week to prepare, rest up, get ready for next week and we’re excited to see whoever we play and we’re going to give them a good battle.” 

The Knights’ first game in the state playoffs is set to be held next Friday or Saturday, with the time and opponent still to be determined. 

BOX SCORE:  

ROYL: 28-34-7-0: 69
KWCR: 0-0-0-0: 0 

    Knights junior Manny Ruvalcaba takes off after intercepting the ball from King’s Way Christian. The Knights defense held their opponent scoreless throughout Friday’s matchup.
  

    Scout Stevenson (21) from the Knights lines up for the start of the play while Brycen Fitzhugh (16) fills in at quarterback late in the game against King’s Way Christian. Stevenson said the team was very prepared for this week’s matchup and will continue to work toward their next opponent as the postseason progresses.
  

    Knights defensive end Daniel Angel (56) catches up with the runner from King’s Way Christian during Friday’s matchup.
  

    Brycen Fitzhugh from Royal weaves his way past the King’s Way defense to earn a first down late in the game on Friday.