By Michael Rupp
The Royals moved to 0-3 last Friday with a loss to the Westerners of Akron-Westfield. Both teams went into the night with an 0-2 record. The Royals offense looked a little different Friday night. Sophomore Jonah Petersen got the start at Quarterback in replace of Junior third year starter KC Nicks. Nicks was cleared to play Thursday, but because he had to miss practice all week, Petersen got the start. The Royals were also without Junior wide receiver Kam Steffen, who remains out with a shoulder injury.
The Westerners came out strong to start the game. Senior Quarterback Cade Walkingstick found Senior Tyson Fairbanks in the endzone on their opening drive. Later in the first quarter, Walkingstick found Junior Lane Kenny for a 41 yard reception that set up Sophomore Ian Blowe for a 4 yard touchdown run near the end of the 1st quarter.
Down 14-0 Petersen looked to pass from the 9 yard line, but felt pressure from the left side. Petersen stepped up and ran 9 yards into the endzone to get the Royals on the board. The Royals missed the extra point and the score was 14-6 Westerners.
After an impressive fourth down stand by the Royals, Petersen marched the offense down the field and connected with Senior Wide Receiver Brenin Stodden for a 33 yard touchdown pass. The Royals lined up in their swinging gate formation for the 2-point conversation. Petersen found Senior Brett Stabb for a 2 yard 2 point conversion pass, and the score was deadlocked at 14.
The Royals would mount a drive late in the 2nd quarter, but missed a last second field goal from 31 yards out.
The 3rd quarter started out slow for both sides. After both defenses forced a 3 and out on opening drives, Akron put together a strong drive that ended with Blowe running in his second touchdown of the night from 17 yards out. Akron then led 21-14.
The Royals did not stop though. Petersen got the Royals all the way down to the 1 yard line. The Royals lined up in an overload package that they hadn’t showed all year. The Akron defense defended it well. Petersen attempted to throw on the run on 3rd down, but Ian Blowe intercepted the ball and took it all the way back for a 98 yard touchdown.
Akron scored again at the start of the 4th quarter. Eban Hicks took a hard hit and fumbled the ball. Akron recovered and shortly after Ian Blowe ran in his 3rd offensive, 4th total touchdown of the game. The Royals defense held off the continuous air raid by the Westerners in the 4th, but couldn’t get the offense moving.
Even though he took the loss, Petersen played well in his first career start. He went 9/18 passing for 135 yards and a touchdown. He also picked up 55 yards with his legs and a rushing touchdown. Senior Eban Hicks also had a good night on the ground, picking up 67 yards on 17 carries.