Knights win record 54th straight game with shutout of Naches Valley

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (6-0) earned a dominant 75-0 win over the Naches Valley Rangers on Friday. Not only did the win keep the Knights undefeated in 2026, but it also set a school record for the program's longest win streak at 54. Head Coach Wiley Allred spoke to the type of athlete it takes to achieve such a feat.  

“They've got to be dedicated, especially in the offseason and throughout the year, and play together and be unselfish,” Allred said. “These kids have been really unselfish, and they celebrate everybody's success. It goes a long way; it's been very rewarding to coach.” 

The Knights essentially won the game in the first quarter, putting up 42 unanswered points. From there, Allred and the Knights rotated in some of the younger players to get them reps, which proved beneficial as they helped build on the already commanding lead to 56-0 at halftime. The Knights added 19 more points in the second half to seal their third shutout win in a row. 

“We knew it'd be a bit of a mismatch there, Naches is having a tough year, a lot of new guys,” Allred said. “We just came out and played our hardest and best we could for as long as we could, and then started rotating guys in, and that worked out. Our guys were pretty sharp.” 

The Knights offense was explosive out of the gate, with Grant Wardenaar completing all four of his passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns. On the receiving end, Tyce Christensen finished with two receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns, Jerry Fielding also caught two passes for 68 yards and a touchdown, Dax Jenks hauled in one catch for a 60-yard score, Owen Forsyth and Britton Wardenaar also finished with a touchdown catch.  

Leading the run game was Jackson Flood with two carries for 76 yards and a touchdown and Dax Jenks who carried the ball once for 61 yards and a touchdown. Grant added an additional score on the ground with a 41-yard rushing touchdown.  

According to Allred, the Knights simply continued to execute the game plan to the best of their ability, like they have all season. 

“Physically we were stronger than them, and so it was a matter of just picking what plays you wanted to run and then executing them,” said the coach. “I don't know that we did anything special, we were trying to play to our potential, and I think we did.” 

Showing his talents in special teams, Fischer Livingston returned a punt in the first quarter for an 82-yard touchdown.  

After building such a commanding lead in the first quarter, Allred was quick to work in his younger players so they could get valuable play time. Ryan Bergeson, Brycen Fitzhugh and Gordon Fielding each got time under center. Bergeson completed 1-of-2 passes for 50 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Fitzhugh completed one pass for a 9-yard touchdown. Fielding also completed a pass for 8 yards.  

Along with young talent getting some time at other positions, it’s an opportunity for the Knights coaching staff to observe the future of the program, as well.  

“It does give us a chance to evaluate those kids and let them have a little Friday night lights and have some fun, and they did well,” Allred said. “We've been splitting time with Brycen Fitzhugh at quarterback and Gordon Fielding, they both have come in and done a really nice job running the offense, and then we finished with our freshman Ryan Bergerson, and those guys scored a touchdown as well. It was a fun feeling, we had a good time together, and the guys celebrated everybody's success.” 

The Knights return to their home field on Oct. 16 when they host a competitive Wahluke Warriors (2-4) squad at 7 p.m. While the Knights made history on Friday, it’s no reason to overlook the next challenge in the Warriors, which Allred expects to be a fun challenge.  

“They always play competitive and tough, and they're very willing to mix it up,” he said. “We're looking forward to playing a tougher opponent, and I know they'll be prepared. We're neighbors with Mattawa, so that's always a fun game.” 

BOX SCORE: 

NVLY: 0-0-0-0: 0 

ROYL: 42-14-7-12: 75

    The Knights’ Jackson Flood (33) celebrates with his teammates after their win over Cashmere earlier this season.