ROYAL CITY - When the Royal High Knights first saw their 2013 schedule, they knew the middle stretch would be challenging.

The Knights closed out that portion of their schedule on Friday with a 28-0 loss to the Connell Eagles.

But nothing is lost. The Knights are still in line for the state playoffs - again - and their remaining schedule against Burbank and Kiona-Benton is favorable.

In the race for three cross-over playoff spots against the West, the Knights are tied for third with Burbank with a 2-2 mark. Ki-Be has won only once.

The Knights have been on the road three of the last four games. They have faced two highly ranked opponents followed by two of their nearest rivals.

After dropping the first two and rebounding with a convincing home win over the Wahluke Warriors, Royal (4-3 overall) travelled to Connell (5-2, 4-0) intent on splitting this four game stretch with a victory.

The opening quarter was a battle of field position that tipped in the favor of Connell on one critical play. Deep inside his own territory, Royal punter Jose Ponce was pressured into pulling the ball down and trying to convert the fourth down around left end. That resulted in a short field for the Connell offense.

Connell capitalized a few plays later on a slant pass from seven yards to take the early 7-0 lead. The Eagles added another touchdown in the second quarter on a 5-yard run. A third-and-12 conversion for 29 yards on a play-action pass was the defining play of the drive.

"This game wasn't won or lost at the line of scrimmage," coach Wiley Allred said. "Our run defense was very effective."

Allred praised seniors Collin Christensen and Tony Mayorga for their effort.

Statistically the game was much closer than the final score might indicate. Both offenses have been increasingly run-dependent this season, but neither was able to break off big runs.

Royal's best hope of turning the momentum was dashed on its opening drive of the second half. On second-and-7 from the Connell 21, Kaden Jenks found Jose Ponce in the back left corner of the end zone, but the pass was ruled intercepted.

It was a heart-breaking call. It appeared that Ponce secured the pass just before the defensive back latched onto the ball as they both went to the turf.

While the disparity in offensive yardage was minimal (318-244), missed assignments kept the defense on the field, particularly on third down play-action passes. Eagle time-of-possession was more than twice that of the Knights.

Miguel Ayala was once again a workhorse for the Knights, amassing 118 yards and averaging more than six yards per carry. Ponce and Luis Garcia each had five receptions.

"We turned the page before we got back on the bus," Allred said.

Allred looks to his seniors to continue their strong effort and close the remainder of the season well. Royal will host the Burbank Coyotes (4-3 overall) in a crucial contest this Friday.