The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Royals used a smothering defense to defeat cross-town rival Fremont 36-14 Friday night. Both teams were without key players and coaches in the game; the Silverwolves were without one of the state’s top defensive players, junior linebacker Brant “Bubba” Koford. Royals head coach Chris Solomona missed the game due to suspension from last week’s game against American Fork.

This game could not have had a better start for the Royals as kick returner Kili Eleneke took the opening kick-off 88 yards for a touchdown. The defense shined for the Royals, holding Fremont to 126 yards in the game on offense.

First quarter

Eleneke’s touchdown was the only scoring of the first quarter to give the Royals a 7-0 lead. Fremont went three and out on its first possession. The Royals showed it would be tough to move the ball on them due to their outstanding tackling. The Royals moved the ball on their first possession and picked up first downs before punting on fourth down.

Roy’s defense forced the Fremont offense into third-and-long situations. The secondary forced tough throws for quarterback Slade Parker. Roy’s defensive line consisted of Maxx Johnson, Colby Hepner, and Justin Flores. They set the tone with constant pressure and shut down the Silverwolve’s running game.

Second quarter

The Royals started the second quarter in command of the game and got a 35-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Dru Gardner to sophomore Robert Young. Young took the pass and quickly made defenders miss on a fantastic run to the end zone. Following Young’s touchdown, the Royals had a successful 2-point conversion by junior kicker Colby Frokjer sprinting into the end zone to give the Royals a 15-0 lead.

Fremont tested Roy’s secondary by trying deep pass attempts on its next possession. Roy’s defensive back Eleneke had outstanding position and coverage, and the passes were incomplete. Senior Jake Viers intercepted Parker’s third deep pass attempt with 6:21 left in the half.

Fremont needed a spark to change the momentum, and they got it on special teams. Junior Zach Masters returned a muffed punt for a touchdown. The score ended Roy’s dominant performance and gave the Silverwolves new energy. The score now stood at 15-7 in favor of the Royals.

The Silverwolves continued its comeback attempt, with Ridge Lindley returning an interception for a touchdown. Fremont junior defensive lineman Stone Siache pressured Gardner into an errant throw. Roy’s turnovers on the last two possessions caused their lead down to one point, 15-14.

The excitement of the second quarter continued when the Royals made a last drive for a score before halftime. The Silverwolves defense forced a fourth down on their 37-yard line, and the Royals lined up for a quarter-ending field goal attempt. Frokjer’s kick was in line and went through the uprights for a 53-yard field goal to give the Royals an 18-14 halftime lead and the momentum again.

Third quarter

The third quarter was the turning point in the ball game, and it started with the Silverwolves getting the ball first. Unable to move the ball on its first possession of the second half, the Silverwolves attempted a punt deep in their territory, and it was blocked out of the end zone by Johnson for safety. The score now had the Royals ahead 20-14, and the team’s confidence grew with each possession.

With 4:35 remaining in the third quarter Frokjer connected for his second field goal; this 40-yarder gave the Royals a commanding 23-14 lead. The Silverwolves could not generate any offensive drives, which led to short punts into the wind.

Senior running back Daeqwan Snider scored on a 4-yard touchdown run with 1:55 left in the third period. This score put Roy up 30-14 and in control of the game. The final play of the third quarter saw Royals sophomore Logan Cella score from eight yards out. The score stood at 36-14 heading into the final quarter.

Fourth quarter

The Royals’ defense would hold the Silverwolve’s offense in check with the game in total control. Cole West would add an interception for the Royals to stop scoring opportunities for Fremont. Roy evened their record at 1-1. Fremont dropped to 0-2 on the season. The Royals now have won four of the last five games against rival Fremont.

Outstanding performances

The Royals’ defense played outstanding, led by Johnson’s two sacks, a blocked punt that resulted in a safety, and constant pressure on Silverwolves quarterback Parker. The defense had six sacks in the game.

“Our defense came out and shut down the Fremont offense,” said Johnson. “We held them to one first down in the first half.”

Royals quarterback Dru Gardner was the game’s leading passer, completing 13 of 19 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown. Gardner kept the Royals on point and was in control the entire game.

“The game meant the world to our team,” said Gardner. “The community of Roy and everyone knows that’s the biggest game of the year.”

Eleneke is an emerging star after an outstanding performance in week one with a touchdown reception. In this game, the speedy Eleneke took the opening kick-off for a touchdown and played smothering coverage at cornerback on defense. Junior receiver Robert Young displayed his elusiveness with a touchdown reception and excellent punt returns.

Colby Frokjer made two field goals, and his two punts downed inside the Fremont 20 pinned them deep in their territory. Snider rushed for a game-high 63 yards and ran tough when the Royals needed to take time off the clock.

Fremont Silverwolves

Replacing the injured Koford in the lineup, junior Nash Bailey led the Silverwolves with 14 total tackles. Masters ended the game with nine total tackles and the fumble return for a touchdown. Senior wide receiver Luke Shulz led with five catches from his slot receiver position.

photo courtesy of James Tate of Royal’s Jake Viers