For the senior varsity football players and the coaching staff, who remembers when those seniors were freshman, the Knights’ 17-14 win over Kerrville Tivy wasn’t just special. It was a return to their roots.

The last time the Knights won a playoff game was four years ago … when the current seniors were freshmen.

There have been some rough patches between playoff wins, but after Friday’s win–the team’s 10th of the season–under the lights at House Park, there can be no doubt that this is a special team enjoying a spectacular season.

The Knights defeated a tough opponent thanks to key plays in all three phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams. Among the key plays were these:

Andre Blakemore’s 62-yard TD run straight down the Tivy sideline that opened the scoring in the first quarter.

Luke Whitefield’s 33-yard field goal in the second quarter that broke a 7-7 tie and ultimately provided the margin of victory.

Prince Tyler’s 70-yard fumble return down in the third quarter that gave the Knights some insurance they would dearly need after Tivy scored their only second-half points to cut the lead to three.

Mason Bryant’s clutch punt from his own end zone with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter that reversed field position and gave the Antlers a long field to start their final drive.

Tyrell Washington’s game-sealing interception of a Karson Valverde pass with two minutes to go that ended the Antlers’ last threat to score.

With the other 25-5A playoff teams all losing their opening round games, the Knights are now the only district team still alive in the chase for the 5-A state title.

The team will travel to Eschenburg Field in Floresville to play the Victoria East Titan in the area playoffs. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

To hear exclusive interviews and see our comprehensive photo gallery of the pregame, game and halftime festivities, please see below. Reporting by J.R. Cardenas. Photos by J.R. Cardenas, Gregory James, Tony Lavorgna, Madison Olsen, Adrian Pena and Dave Winter.