Silver Knight defense at Clay County

Even though they endured a two-and-a-half hour bus ride, freezing temperatures, and a water laden field, the Tyler Consolidated Silver Knights found a way to get their first win of the 2011 season against the Panthers at Clay County, 20-0 on Friday.

“After a long bus trip like that one, there is nothing better than coming home with a good win,” said head coach of the Knights, Rob Caldwell. “It was not only good to get the win for our seniors, but hopefully it will give us motivation for practice this week so we can get another win on Friday.”

Two of Consolidated’s scores against the 2-7 Panthers came courtesy of senior Evan Cline, one on a 55 interception return and the other on a 23 yard reception from junior quarterback, Hunter LeMasters. Sophomore Jacob Highley also notched the scoreboard with a TD on a one yard run and led the Knights in rushing with 50 yards on 14 carries.

“The kids played well,” Caldwell said. “We sustained our offensive drives better than we have and ran the ball well, despite the field conditions. And it was muddy.”

“We didn’t do a lot of three-and-outs, so our defense didn’t have to spend a whole lot of time on the field and this was a real positive. It made all the difference in the game. It was good to get the win.”

The Silver Knights will host the Weir Red Riders in their last home game of the season on Friday at Knight Stadium. The Riders come to Tyler County with a winless 0-9 record for their last game of the season, hoping to break into the win column.

“Like us, they play a tough schedule,” Caldwell said. “Just because they haven’t won a game we can’t count them out as a ready made win. We’re going to have to play, and play hard, and hopefully we’ll come out on the right side of the score.”

Game time is set for 7 p.m. with senior night festivities to take place immediately before kick-off.