Knightdale edges Sanderson football in overtime

Instead of settling for extra football, Knightdale showed some guts on opening night of the 2015 season.

After going into overtime, the Knights (1-0) decided they would go for it all after a touchdown. The risk paid off, and Knightdale defeated Sanderson 35-34.

Facing a 3rd and 20 in overtime, Knightdale’s Malik Branch picked up 18 yards to the 2. The rest was up to Joshua Schenck.

The senior scored on 4th and 1 to make it 34-33 and Schenck got the call on the two-point conversion, dragging defenders into the endzone.

Turning point

Schenck, who only had one carry in the first half, got the carries in overtime.

Three who mattered

Jordan Logan, Sanderson: The Spartans running back was the definition of a workhorse. He did the bulk of the ground work for the home team and even caught one pass in the second half. Logan finished with 160 yards on the ground.

Joshua Schenck, Knightdale: Schenck spent most of the game playing linebacker – he also kicked – but when the Knights needed a score in crunch time, they called on Schenck, who scored the touchdown and conversion to win the game.

Michael Kinney, Sanderson: Sanderson kicker was perfect on extra points (5 of 5) and added two field goals in the contest.

By the numbers

105: Sanderson’s Tae Jones had 105 yards on kick returns, including an 85-yard return to start the game. Knightdale made sure to keep the ball away from Jones the rest of the game, even though he managed to sneak in one more return in the second half.

3rd and 20: In overtime, Knightdale faced a 3rd and 20. Dargan went with a reverse to the shifty Malik Branch, who worked the ball to the 2-yard line, setting up the game winning score.

5: Knightdale had five different players share the load, with each getting at least one carry in the win.

25: The total amount of seconds it took to get the two opening scores of the game. Sanderson started the contest with an 85-yard return by Jones and Knightdale answered with an 85-yard return by Jalen Williams, all of this before most fans settled into their seats.

4: Sanderson forced four turnovers (2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles).

This story was originally published August 22, 2015 at 1:09 AM with the headline "Knightdale edges Sanderson football in overtime."