
A Loveland Tiger touchdown with 1:35 remaining in the game sent the Kings Junior Varsity (JV) to its third defeat. The Knights took an early fourth quarter lead on a two-yard keeper by junior signal caller Drew Patterson. Kings had the chance to widen the score with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter instead a blocked field goal and the late 50-yard Tiger touchdown pass gave Loveland the 16 –12 victory.
Kings controlled the first series of the game consuming nearly nine-minutes with an 80-yard, 13-play drive to the Loveland 20-yard line before turning the ball over on downs. Receptions from Kings juniors Willie Strosnider and Larry Southall and runs from sophomore Michael Ovington propelled the drive. Knight sophomore Tyler McCall and junior Colt Perry also each had a carry.
The Knights forced a Tiger three and out on Loveland’s first offensive series. A tremendous Tiger punt from the Loveland 20-yard line rolled dead at King’s 11. Patterson was sacked in the end zone for a safety on the Knights third play giving the Tigers an early second quarter lead 2 – 0.
Loveland’s returner took the kickoff at the Tiger 30-yard line and raced down the sideline. Kings freshman kicker Lennart Boysen made a touchdown saving tackle at the Knight 35. Loveland connected on a 35-yard touchdown strike on its first play. The point after touchdown (PAT) was good making the score 9 – 0 in favor of the Tigers.
With two minutes remaining in the first half Kings scored on a two-yard Ovington run. A 42-yard pass from Patterson to Strosnider to the four-yard line set up Ovington’s scoring plunge. The missed PAT left the score 9 – 6 Loveland leading.
Loveland took over but didn’t move the ball and a sack by Kings sophomore lineman Justin Wheeler ended the first half with the Tigers leading 9 – 6.
The Knight defense stood strong opening the second half forcing a Loveland punt. Kings junior lineman Karlis Walsh broke through the Tiger protection, blocked the punt, and junior linebacker Ryan Hartsig recovered the loose ball. The Knights took over on the Loveland 40 yard line, drove the ball to the 9-yard line but missed the field goal leaving the score 9 – 6.
Once again Kings forced a three and out and Knight junior Parker Phipps’ 30-yard punt return put the ball at the Tiger 30-yard line. Runs by McCall, Perry and receptions from Phipps and Strosnider moved the Knights to the 2-yard line where Patterson took the keeper across the goal line. The PAT was no good but the Knights lead 12 – 9 early in the fourth quarter.
Late in the fourth quarter Kings drove to the Loveland 3-yard line but stalled. A blocked field goal gave the ball back to the Tigers at their own 20-yard line with slightly more than three minutes left in the game.
A sack by Hartsig, a knocked down pass by sophomore linebacker Matt Sannella set up third down and 20. Loveland connected on a 22-yard pass and then the 50-yard game winning touchdown reception.
The Knights had two additional chances to regain the lead late in the fourth quarter. Kings was unable to convert a fourth down and a hook and lateral involving Strosnider and junior receiver Sawyer Dean was stopped ending the game.
Kings offensive line consisting of juniors A.J. Coleman, Connor Goodpaster and Paul Koerbel; and sophomores Cody Bauer and Bo Firstenberger provided solid protection and controlled the line of scrimmage. Sophomores Chris Crabtree and Chris Carlin also played on the offensive line.
Kings junior defensive linemen Travis Byrd and Walsh and sophomores Wheeler and Firstenberger as well as junior linebackers Adam Spohr and Hartsig, and sophomore Sannella constantly pressured the Loveland quarterback. Knight defensive backs including Phipps and sophomores Ted Dorsa, Jack Olds and Russ Lawson knocked down several Tiger passes. Sophomores Jeremy Vandever and Josh Baker also saw time on defense.

Next Game: Saturday, September 24, beginning 10 a.m., Home versus Glen Este