KNIGHTSTOWN — Games against state-ranked opponents might bring a lot of hype for the Eastern Hancock Royals, but nothing compares to a rivalry showdown against Knightstown.
With more than a mere W on the line, the Class 2A No. 13 Royals (3-2) despise losing to their neighboring foes, and Friday night at Don Willard Stadium was no exception.
The Royals used chemistry, speed and efficiency to move past some early turnover issues and erupted in the third quarter to initiate a running clock en route to a 42-7 victory.
The win halted Knightstown’s pursuit at perfection, falling to 3-1 on the year, while keeping the coveted Anvil trophy in Hancock County for a second straight year.
"It was just a well-rounded game for us, and it’s great to get the anvil back where it’s at," Royals junior Cole Rainbolt said.
Last year, the Royals defeated the Panthers 46-27. During their 23rd win over Knightstown in the past 40 meetings, Eastern Hancock did even better.
Junior quarterback Houston Swan completed 12-of-19 passes for 173 yards and four touchdowns, while Rainbolt hauled in six catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
Rainbolt, who set a new school record during the game for total career receptions, also added a 57-yard punt return for a score to kickoff a 21-point third quarter, which the Panthers couldn’t answer.
"Everybody was blocking for me, and I got in an area where I could catch the ball and do what I do best," Rainbolt remarked on his third-quarter punt return that increased EH’s lead 28-7. "I run the ball and score touchdowns, and I like to do that a lot. It was a great team win for us."
The Royals came out and scored on three of their first four possessions, beginning with a 12-play drive capped by a 2-yard pass from Swan to J.P. Fuchs, who finished with four catches, 47 yards and two touchdowns.
Swan connected with Rainbolt for 20 yards later in the first quarter to make it 14-0 before Jacob Johnson broke free for a 20-yard touchdown run to give Eastern Hancock a 21-0 advantage.
The only setback for the Royals were turnovers, including a lost fumble on their second possession, immediately following a fumble recovery by EH’s Landon O’Neal at Knightstown’s 45 on the Panthers’ first play from scrimmage.
Swan threw in interception midway through the second quarter and a turnover on downs with 1:15 left before halftime kept the Panthers close at 21-7.
"We had to turn the page because it could have been downhill for us. They’re always an aggressive team, so they know when to kick it in gear. So, we had to kick it up another notch," Rainbolt said. "We had to get past the turnovers, keep going and keep doing what we do best."
The Royals put their talents on display in the third quarter, starting with the Panthers’ first punt of the game with 10:23 left on the clock.
Rainbolt caught the ball and immediately turned up field, which set the tone.
"We love coming and playing these guys every year. The rivalry and everything associated with it, it was great to come out and get a big win," Swan said. "When you put up a lot of points, it’s hard for the other team to match that, and it takes a little pressure off the defense."
The Royals defense played it’s part with an interception by Zach Arnold and three turnover on downs. Wes Kane had two sacks and Conner Knudson added another.
"It’s our No. 1 priority every year, making sure that (anvil) stays where it belongs with Eastern Hancock," Swan said. "We want to make sure we keep it there."
Big plays kept their momentum going with Arnold netting 71 rushing yards in huge chucks, measuring at 22 and 49 yards. Johnson had 58 yards on nine carries.
"We have some weapons offensively that if they are able to get open, Houston can get to them. And, they have the ability to make plays after the catch," EH coach Doug Armstrong said. "Turnovers are momentum killers, but we were able to get some big ones to turn the momentum back our way."
The only points allowed by the Royals came on 15-yard touchdown run by Ben Newby, who setup the play with a 54-yard bruising sprint on first-and-10 from the Panthers’ 31 in the second quarter.
After the run, the Panthers never reached Royals’ territory again.
"This is the most important game of the season for our school and our community," Armstrong said. "It’s important to make sure all the work we’ve done up to this point was to help us improve for this game. Now, that this game is over, we still have a big portion of our conference season left, so we have to improve this week. That’s the goal."
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Eastern Hancock 42, Knightstown 7
EH (4-2);6;14;21;0;-;42
KHS (3-1);7;0;0;0;-;7
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
EH – JP Fuchs 2 yd pass from Houston Swan (2pt failed), 7:28
2nd Quarter
EH – Colt Rainbolt 20 yd pass from Swan (2pt good), 8:44
EH – Jacob Johnson 20 yd run (Fuchs kick), 8:09
KHS – Ben Newby 15 yd run (Wade Toth kick), 6:35
3rd Quarter
EH – Rainbolt 57 yd punt return (Fuchs kick), 10:03
EH – Fuchs 18 yd pass from Swan (Fuchs kick), 5:45
EH – Rainbolt 33 yd pass from Swan (Fuchs kick), 55.6
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