It was another heartbreaking end to a game that the Knoxville Football Squad had in its grasp on Friday night losing to Clarke 41-40 in overtime. Neither team could have any advantage as the lead never grew by more than a touchdown either way. The Indians got on the board first to make it 7-0, but Knoxville got a score to even it up at seven in the 1st quarter. That was what it would be for the entire game. With Clarke leading 27-20 in the 4th quarter, the Panthers would tie the game at 27 on a Connor Willis 16 yard pass from Noah Keefer, then Keefer would give Knoxville its first and only lead of the game with :59 seconds left but, Clarke would tie it at the end of regulation at 34. Knoxville had the first possession in overtime and scored on the first play as Willoughby scored from ten yards out to make it 40-34, but a missed extra point gave Clark life and the very next play the Indians scored and won the game on the extra point. Coach Matt Dunkin told KNIA/KRLS Sports as disappointing as the loss was, he has every hope that his guys will come back on Monday ready for week three.

Dunkin: “I have no doubt in my mind hungry and ready to go. We have a 24 hour rule that we worry about it, and I have confidence they’ll be ready to go and string four good practices together then hopping on the bus to South Tama.”

The Panthers outgained the Indians 365-358 with Keefer throwing 10/15 for 234 yards and two touchdowns, Koby Higginbotham caught four passes for 105 yards and a score and Hayden Willoughby ran 21 times for 71 yards and three touchdowns. Knoxville is 0-2 and will travel to South Tama next Friday.