VICTORIA – The Victoria Knights saw their season come to an end Friday night with a 44-22 loss to the St. Francis Indians in the sub-state championship game in Victoria.
The St. Francis Indians wasted no time, scoring on the second offensive play of the game, just one minute and 15 seconds into the game, on a 38 yard touchdown run taking an 8-0 lead.
It took the Knights offense a little bit of time to get into the rhythm, turning it over on downs on the first offensive possession. But after forcing a turnover over on downs of their own, they got on the board when Grant Schoenrock scored on a 42-yard touchdown run to cut the gap to 8-6.
It was the first points that St. Francis had allowed in the postseason.
Following another Indians turnover on downs near mid-field, the Knights were able to take the lead capping off a seven-play drive with a Carson Werth one-yard touchdown run. With the two-point conversion Victoria led 14-8 with 11:15 to play in the first half.
St. Francis scored the next 36 points over the next two quarters on their way to a 44-22 win.
The Indians outgained Victoria 437 to 260 total yards.
St. Francis’ Shadryon Blanka finished with 245 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries. He also added a touchdown reception.
Victoria’s Grant Schoenrock finished with 98 yards passing with one touchdown and 74 rushing yards with one touchdown.
Victoria finishes the season 11-1.
St. Francis improved to 11-0 and they will take on Hanover in the state championship game next Saturday.