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Kings avenges earlier loss to Turpin

WEST CHESTER, Ohio – Kings’ Tyler Knecht did not let his team’s loss to Turpin in September affect his play in Friday’s rematch.

The Knights defeated the Trojans, 47-13, in the regional semifinal of Division II, Region 6 at Lakota West High School.

Kings' Tyler Knecht (photo by Michael Noyes/TSF).

Kings’ Tyler Knecht (photo by Michael Noyes/TSF).

The junior quarterback accounted for six touchdowns, three from the air and on the ground. He finished the game with 312 passing yards and 72 yards rushing. This was after he threw for only 165 yards and four interceptions in the 20-16 defeat in September.

The last matchup was two months ago, but still fresh in Knecht’s mind.

“It was in the back of my mind, but it was a fresh start and I just had to move on because I am a better than that,” Knecht said. “I was really nervous, but once the game started I was fine.”

Sophomore wide receiver Justin Wise led the team with 166 yards and two touchdowns.

“They clearly took away the run and forced us to be them with the pass,” said Kings head coach Andy Olds. “Tyler had a really rough game in the first time we played these guys but he made up for it tonight. That is what great football teams do. If you want to move on then you have to do something else if something is taken from you.”

In this meeting, the Knights were able to force two turnovers, and not give up the football once after committing five turnovers in the first meeting. The Knights’ defense also did not allow a first down in the second half, and only six first downs in the game.

Turpin senior quarterback Bennie Stoll finished his high school career, throwing for 149 yards and a touchdown. The Kings held junior running back Luke Bohenek to 79 yards rushing and 20 yards receiving.

“The running back and quarterback are all conference and have a good offensive team,” Olds said. “We made some adjustments and our kids turned it up a notch.”

With the score 20-13 at halftime, the game was far from decided. But on Kings’ second possession of the third quarter, Knecht ran in a 2-yard touchdowns, capping off an eight-play, 61-yard drive that lasted under three minutes to extend the lead 28-13.

On the ensuing kickoff, Kings recovered a Turpin fumble on its 25-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Knecht rolled to his right and ran 25 yards for a score to push the lead to 34-13 after missing the PAT. The Knights scored two more times in the second half.

“If we were 10-0 I am not so sure we would be on the right side of this game tonight,” Olds said. “That Turpin loss did more good for our football players and staff and that week was not fun and enjoyable, but the defense came out that following week and held a tough Loveland offensive team with Luke Waddell and realized we were really good and can play.”

Kings will play defending state champion La Salle in the Regional Final next Friday after the Lancers defeated Lima Senior, 49-13. The site of the game has yet to be determined.

“It is exciting to see how we play against the best,” Knecht said.

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