ROYAL — There’s a quiet confidence in the air when the Royal Knights take the field. They play with a little bit of swag and a little bit of humility. They’re the kind of guys that’ll send you elbows over tea kettle, then help ya up when the whistle blows.

On Saturday, they have a chance to become the first Knights team in the past 11 years to win back-to-back 1A state championships. Twelve seniors will play the final game of their high school career competing for a state title in the big city and bright lights of the Tacoma Dome.

It will also be the final time the Gunslinger and the Blade will have to work that Knight passing game that’s gotten them to destiny’s door.

The Columbia Basin Herald caught up with big arm, senior quarterback Kaden Jenks and junior wide receiver Corbin Christensen, who can slice up an opposing defensive backfield like a hot knife through butter.

CBH: What kind of receiver is Corbin Christensen (6-3, 176 pounds)

Jenks: “We’ve known each other since I was in sixth grade and he was in fifth. We’ve been playing together ever since. He’s really great at catching everything thrown his way. I’m really confident that he can do what it takes to go get the ball. He can run any route — screen, deep — he can score touchdowns from anywhere.”

CBH: With Jenks being a senior, this will be the final game you’ll play together. What does that mean?

Christensen: "We both moved here about the same time. He was here a year before (2010). I never really thought about this being my last game with Kaden. It’s going to be weird not playing with him. We’ve been playing together for so long. We’re going to go out there on Saturday and make it count.”

CBH: What kind of man is Christensen?

Jenks: "He’s a great kid. He works hard. He’s always up there and sets the tone in practice. He always pushes the competition, which we love here at Royal. Off the field, he’s a great friend that I can be around. We spend a lot of time together. He’s a great guy and I love him.”

CBH: Same question, is Kaden the kind of guy you want marrying your sister?

Christensen: “Actually, he is. He’s one of my best friends for sure. He’s great and honorable. He’s honest, has integrity. He’s someone I can be around. You can laugh with him, joke with him. When it comes down to being serious, he’s a competitive kid that loves to win, just like me.”

CBH: Last question, it’s fourth-and-goal on the 10-yard line with two seconds remaining on Saturday. How do you get the ball to Christensen for the championship?

Jenks: “I’d run a fade route to the corner of the end zone, loft it up and let the big man go get it. I know he’ll catch it as long as I get the ball there.”

CBH: The 1A state championship truly features two of the best teams in Washington state in any class. What’s the key to beating Connell?

Christensen: “Connell and Royal really aren’t that far apart. We’ve been playing against each other since middle school. They’re not good friends over there, but we do know each other and respect each other. It’s pretty fun competing with them, because they’re just like us in skill level. It’s going to be fun.”

Royal (12-0) will face Connell (11-1) at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the Tacoma Dome for the Class 1A state championship.