ROYAL CITY – The reigning 1A state champion Royal Knights kicked off their season in dominant fashion. That included a 48-point first quarter. The Knights were victorious over Kiona-Benton 68-0.   

“We executed pretty well in most areas. Kids were excited to get out there and play, and it was a bit of a mismatch physically. There are some areas we're still looking to get some of the pieces right. We're still working on getting their reads right and things like that, so lots to work on. But it was a great start for us,” Head Coach Wiley Allred said.   

In the first quarter, Manny Ruvalcaba kicked off the Knights' impressive scoring spree with a pick-six on the first drive of the game, and the Knights took a 7-0 lead. After another Knights interception, quarterback Grant Wardenaar found Fischer Livingston for a 30-yard touchdown pass, increasing their lead to 14-0.   

After another interception by Anderson Brown, the Knights found themselves in a favorable field position once again. Wardenaar found Brown over the middle, who then weaved through a few defenders before finding the endzone and adding to their lead, 21-0. Outside linebacker Jackson Flood got in on the defensive fun with a pick six of his own, widening the gap to 28-0.   

On the Knights' next offensive possession, Wardenaar found Shea Stevenson for a 10-yard touchdown pass, increasing the score to 34-0. Stevenson found the endzone once again, this time on defense with a five-yard fumble recovery for another score.   

Now up 41-0, the Knights took over on offense and were moving the ball with ease. Once in scoring position, running back Brody Bishop found the endzone for a three-yard touchdown run. This would conclude the first quarter, with the Knights up 48-0.   

Bishop also had a strong game statistically on the defensive side of the ball. He led the team with six tackles, three sacks and five tackles for a loss.   

“He just plays with a lot of energy and effort, and he knows to get to the football and his effort to get to the ball is fun to watch,” Allred said.   

In the second quarter, the Knights made a switch to different players on depth chart. Livingston avoided tacklers on a punt return for another Knights touchdown, increasing their lead to 55-0.   

On their next offensive possession, Ruvalcaba took over at quarterback and led the Knights downfield. He found Scout Stevenson on a 27-yard touchdown pass, and the Knights led 62-0 heading into halftime.   

In the third quarter, the Knights would score one more time after Ernie Weeks found the endzone on a one-yard touchdown run.   

Brown also had a strong day on the defensive side of the ball with two interceptions of his own. He also serves as the Knights' starting kicker.   

“He's quick and he's getting a better understanding (of the game) all the time, he knows what he's supposed to be doing on both sides of the ball, because he's mostly been our kicker the last couple of years,” Allred said.   

Wardenaar completed all five of his passes for 109 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Allred said he made good decisions, was accurate throwing the ball and remained calm and poised in the pocket.   

As they move onto week two, Allred said the Knights will look to fine-tune certain pieces of the defense. He wants to keep the team improving on small details as they continue to compete in a competitive league.   

The Knights move on to play College Place on the road on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.  

Though confident in his team, Allred does not call their shot just yet.   

“I think we've got a pretty explosive football team; our potential is high. We should be somewhere in the mix, and we just want to keep at it and kind of see where it goes,” he said.   

BOX SCORE:  

ROYL: 48-14-6-0: 68
KBNT:  0-0-0-0: 0 

    Grant Wardenaar (7) scans the Kiona-Benton defense before snapping the ball on Friday. Wardenaar completed all five of his passes for 109 yards and three touchdowns in the Knights’ victory.
  

    Three-way player Anderson Brown lines up on defense for the Knights. Brown has two interceptions, a receiving touchdown and several successful PATs on Friday.
  

    Brody Bishop (24) and Orlando Santillan (74) sack Kiona-Benton's quarterback on Friday. Bishop recorded three sacks and five tackles for loss on Friday.
  

    The Knights defense brings pressure against the Kiona-Benton offense on Friday. The Knights put up 48 points in the first quarter on Friday.
  

    Knights receiver Anderson Brown (14) celebrates a 32-yard touchdown reception with teammate Shea Stevenson (23) on Friday.