The Knoxville Football Squad got down early and could never catch up in a 41-0 defeat to Newton on Friday as heard live on 95.3 KNIA. The Cardinals scooped up a Panther fumble nearly two minutes into the game and returned it 30 yards for the game’s opening touchdown. Newton added another score in the first, then put the game out of reach in the 2nd with 21 points in the 2nd quarter to invoke the running clock rule for the entire second half. Knoxville was able to move the ball at times, generating drives deep into Newton territory but a fumble or some kind of bad luck would always turn away the Panthers. Coach Eric Kellar was generally pleased with his team’s effort while disappointed in the loss.

Kellar:
“Honestly I was really proud of our guys being young, and paper thin at places, they fought hard and we actually moved the ball well at times.”

T-J DeJong was a bright spot for Knoxville, carrying the ball 19 times for 74 yards. The Panthers were plagued by four turnovers in the game, three of which were fumbles. Knoxville is 0-1 to start the season and will travel to Oskaloosa next Friday.