It took a while to get going, but the Knoxville Football Squad wore down South Tama and pulled away late to win 36-6 Friday night as heard live on 95-point-three KNIA. Both teams failed to score and took advantage of driving deep into each other’s territories in the first quarter. Knoxville would finally take advantage of big plays and penalties by the Trojans to take a 14-0 halftime lead on a Rylan Robinson ten yard touchdown run, and an Eli Fuller reception from 47 yards out from Brenden Woolsey. Once again, the Panthers were unable to get a lot going offensively in the third quarter, but the defense held firm and Knoxville finally broke the game open with 22 4th quarter points. TaShawn Conner, Woolsey, and Roston McCarty all scored touchdowns. Panthers Coach Matt Dunkin told KNIA/KRLS Sports that while it was not his team’s best played game, they still found ways to overcome adversity.

Dunkin: “They’ve been listening and that’s what we’ve been harping on. They had some adversity and did a good job of battling back and finishing the game.”

Woolsey had 236 yards passing and two touchdowns, he also ran the ball seven times for 57 yards. Max Magana caught five passes for 80 yards. The Panthers also had over 100 yards of rushing and out gained South Tama 351-196. Knoxville 2-1 and are over .500 for the first time since the 2019 season. Knoxville will have an unusual week this week for its week four game as the Panthers will travel to Des Moines to take on Hoover Thursday night at Mediacom Stadium.

Photo from Ryan Northcote