ROYAL CITY – While the Knights jumped out to an early four-score lead in the first quarter of Friday’s game against Zillah, the Leopards battled back to cut the Royal lead to two possessions in the second and third quarters before the Knights eventually pulled away with a 49-21 win. 

“We’re a little beat up, and we’ve got some guys going in that did a great job tonight,” Royal head coach Wiley Allred said. “The ball bounces funny ways off a couple facemasks that were touchdowns, but we’ll get better from it. It’s a great game for us to learn from.” 

Royal put up 28 points in the first quarter with touchdowns by senior Ethan Ellis (12-yard run), senior Lance Allred (one-yard run) and junior Shea Stevenson (27- and 22-yard receptions), capitalizing off of three-straight Leopard turnovers; the first came on a fumble on Zillah’s first offensive play of the game, while the other two drives ended with interceptions by Royal seniors Ezra Jenks and Jackson Larsen. 

“I think most of it was communication,” Lance said. “We started talking a little bit in the second quarter and kind of got away from ourselves. Calmed down at halftime and got back to it.” 

The lead was eaten into by Zillah in the second quarter, as the Leopards scored touchdowns on back-to-back drives. Its first-second scoring drive came after a Royal interception in the red zone. 

“Balls bounce funny ways in football sometimes, and it gives them momentum,” Wiley said. “All of a sudden they’re feeling a little better about themselves.” 

The Knights went up 35-14 later in the second quarter on Stevenson’s third touchdown catch of the night, a 16-yard reception from Lance with just under five minutes remaining in the half. Stevenson finished the game with four touchdowns and 101 yards on seven receptions. 

“I just try to get open,” Stevenson said. “Lance puts the ball where it needs to be, and I just go up and make a play. That’s just kind of how we play.” 

After the Knights failed to convert on a fourth down attempt on their own 33-yard line, Zillah responded with a 33-yard touchdown pass to sophomore RJ Curfman II on the first play of its ensuing drive, bringing the score once again to two possessions. However, Royal forced three consecutive punts while adding two more touchdowns to earn its eventual 49-21 win. 

Friday’s game saw the Knights put up 472 yards of total offense, 221 of which came through the air with 251 yards on the ground. Lance completed 16-of-27 passes for 192 yards, four touchdowns and an interception while Ellis led the team in rushing with eight carries for 97 yards and a score. 

“The line did everything — my rushing touchdowns were just QB sneaks, so that’s all the team moving forward right there,” Lance said. “Shea did an amazing job, he was catching big balls for us.” 

Next up is a road game against South Central Athletic Conference newcomer Cashmere on Friday; the Bulldogs are 4-0 and are coming off a 45-0 road win over Wahluke on Thursday. 

“I think this was the perfect game to have before Cashmere; we got a full game in,” Lance said. “We had guys cramping at the end, so it’s kind of what we needed — we didn’t get a lot of those (so far). We’ll just prepare for them as best we can, the coaches do a good job.” 

Box score 

ZIL: 0-14-7-0 21
RYL: 28-7-7-7 49 

    Royal junior Shea Stevenson (23) stretches out to haul in a touchdown pass during Friday’s game against Zillah. Stevenson caught seven passes for 101 yards and four touchdowns.
  

    Royal senior Jackson Larsen (21) makes a tackle during the second quarter against Zillah. Larsen intercepted a pass in the first quarter Friday night.
  

    Royal senior Lance Allred (11) threw for 192 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in Friday’s game against Zillah. Allred added an addition touchdown on a one-yard run.