Knights down Jefferson in NWC action

Van Wert independent sports

DELPHOS — The Crestview Knights had a big third quarter, and that was the difference as the Knights defeated Delphos Jefferson 33-13 in a Northwest Conference contest played at Jefferson. With the win, Crestview is now tied with Ada for second place in the NWC at 3-1, while the Knights are 4-2 overall. Jefferson is now 2-3 in league play and 2-4 overall.

Crestview began the scoring with only 22 ticks off the game clock when Matt Holden hit Trevor Roop on the halfback option for a 60-yard score. The PAT attempt failed and it was 6-0, Knights, with 11:38 remaining.

Jefferson evened things up five minutes later when Curtis Miller scored from the Crestview 3 to make it 6-all. After several unsuccessful drives, the Wildcats took the lead with just 14 seconds left in the half when Austin Jettinghoff hit Shayn Klinger with a 13-yard touchdown pass. Jared Boop kicked the PAT and it was 13-6 at the half.

The second half belonged to the Knights, though, including three scoring drives in the third quarter alone. Roop scored all three third-quarter TDs on runs of 1-, 4-, and 60 yards and it was 27-13 when the final quarter began.

The Knights scored one final time with 6:08 left on the clock when Jake Harmon ran one in from the Jefferson 2-yard line for the 33-13 difference.

Ironically, Roop was the top receiver for Crestview, after catching the 60-yard scoring pass from Holden. Roop was also the Knights’ top rusher, with 146 yards on 19 carries and three touchdowns. Holden rushed 12 times for 61 yards. Quinten Wessell rushed for 46 yards on nine carries for the Wildcats, while Miller had 43 yards and a TD on 14 carries.

Both teams had trouble keeping a handle on the ball. Crestview lost two of three fumbles, while the Wildcats fumbled four times and lost them all.