The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Knights’ defense was the highlight of a big-play, hard-hitting contest that showcased talented players on both teams. Both teams entered the game having won their week one matchup, and starting the season 2-0 would be a significant boost. The Knights had the Lancers down for three quarters until the Lancers’ offense started picking up steam and fell just short in the final minutes.

The Knights’ defense intercepted Lancer quarterback Madden Sargent three times, including linebacker Preston Haney’s game-clincher in the final minute. From the start, the Knights precisely executed their strategic game plan, opening with a furious pace on offense and a laser focus on defense.

“We were hype going into the game,” Haney said. “The rivalry has been intense this offseason and not a day went by where we didn’t think about this game. So at the start of the game we were excited the anticipation was over. Everyone was ready to make an impact.”

First half

After the teams exchanged punts on their first offensive possession, Knights wide receiver Jaxon Fresques returned the punt into Lancer territory, and a penalty moved the ball to the 27-yard line.

The Knights quickly took the lead with a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Tre Nye, set up by a pass to receiver Chase Harris. This early lead, established with 3:23 left in the first quarter, set the tone for the game.

The Knights’ defense continued to dominate, with cornerback Israel Arocha intercepting Sargent’s pass and returning it to the two-yard line. Andrew Ortiz scored the Knight’s second touchdown with a seven-yard run, further solidifying the Knights’ control of the game.

In the second quarter, Nye found receiver Braxton Featherstone on a long pass down the sidelines, putting the Knights in scoring position on the Lancers’ 17-yard line. The Lancers’ defense would not break, holding the Knights out of the end zone and returning the ball to the offense.

The Lancers’ offense started moving the ball at 3:00 left in the second half, behind passes by Sargent to receivers Vann Sandoval, Jake Henderson and a pass interference penalty against the Knights on a deep pass intended for Malu Lumpkins. Lumpkins hauled in a short pass in flat and moved the ball to the Knights 23-yard line.

A Lancer potential touchdown pass from Sargent to receiver Teiyon Halbasch was overturned because of a penalty. Lancer kicker Preston DeWitt’s field goal attempt was missed because of a mishandled snap. The half would close out with the Knights ahead 14-0.

Second half

The third quarter saw both teams struggle to score points, and struggle with cramping and penalties. The Lancers’ offense would step up with a change of pace at quarterback with Michael Marriott. Running back Solomon Lee replaced the injured starting running back Ryan Wensel and looked impressive.

Marriott would use his legs to get outside the pocket and give the Knight’s defense a different look, and Sargent would return to push the ball downfield to his receivers.

The Lancers’ opening drive of the third quarter stalled, and they punted the ball to the Knights. Layton would get a potential game-changing turnover when the Knights mishandled a snap, and the Lancers defense recovered the fumble.

Defensive end Lincoln Peterson

The Lancers’ momentum was short because Sargent was stripped of the ball on a rollout, and the Knights recovered with 6:49 left in the third quarter. The Knights would start the final period with a five-yard touchdown pass from Nye to Anthony Martinez. The score was 20-0 with 11:09 left in the game.

The Lancer’s offense came to life on their next possession, as Sargent found a wide-open Halbasch down the sidelines for a 37-yard touchdown. Nye’s pass attempt on the next Knights offensive possession resulted in a fantastic interception by Lancers cornerback Dane Williams. With the momentum, the Lancer’s offense would convert the turnover into a touchdown, with Sargent finding Lee on a screen pass, and Lee slammed his way into the end zone. The score stood at 20-14 with 4:54 left in the game.

The Knights would take their next possession and drive down the field with Nye’s passing and running back Ortiz picking up yardage. At 1:49, Knights kicker Kaleb Gould converted on a 37-yard field for a score of 23-14. Haney would intercept the Lancers on the next possession to end the game.

“Credit to my teammate’s passion and energy throughout the game,” Haney said. “When I got the pick, it was amazing to have such a passionate team showing their love. A great team effort tonight, and I’m glad I was able to help out in that aspect to secure the win.”

Outstanding performances

Jaxon Fresques

Jaxon Fresques reached 100 career receptions with a catch in the second quarter and played an excellent game as receiver and kick returner on a windy night. Ortiz picked up 58 rushing and 46 receiving yards to keep the offense in rhythm. Nye held the offense together with the offensive line struggling with leg cramps and made timely plays with his passing and running. Nye finished with 221 passing and 40 rushing yards.

Chase Harris hauled in a game-high six receptions for 82 yards and Braxton Featherstone chipped in five receptions for 72 yards.

The Knight’s defense held the Lancer offense to five total rushing yards and interceptions by Arocha, Haney, and Carson Brent. Linebackers Haney, Makai So’o, Tayven Norvang and Cooper Tubbs controlled the game with pressure and sure tackling for the Knights. Haney and Norvang led the team with nine tackles each and Tubbs finished with eight stops.

Lumpkins led the Lancers with five catches for 62 yards. Defensively, Williams, Jefferson Hunt, Dawson Pimentel, and Boston Chavez led the Lancers defense.

photos courtesy of James Tate