Hillcrest Knights extend undefeated streak to 7-0 after 3-point win

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Tonight at Ravsten Stadium the Hillcrest Knights dashed a comeback attempt from the Idaho Falls Tigers, securing themselves a 26-23 win and improving to 7-0 on the season. The game featured a turnover-laden first quarter that kept things close.

On the first play of the game, Hillcrest dipped into their bag of tricks. A flea flicker saw Ki Simpson break wide open down the field, and QB Logan Taylor was able to hit Simpson for the completion, moving Hillcrest just outside the Tigers' 10-yard line. 2 plays later, Jake Stephens took a handoff and punched it in for the score, after a failed 2-point try the Knights led 6-0.

On Idaho Falls' responding drive, they worked their way down the field. Inside the Hillcrest redzone, QB Will Thompson found Hudson Palmer for a completion that would have set the Tigers up on Hillcrest's 1-yard line, but an offensive pass interference call backed them up and wiped out the play. The Tigers settled for a field goal, which Ace Williams knocked through to make it a 6-3 ballgame.

On the ensuing kick-off, Idaho Falls was penalized, blowing the first kick dead and forcing a re-kick. On that second kick-off attempt, Hillcrest was unable to hold on to the bouncing ball, and the Tigers dove on it, taking possession again.

The Tigers worked their way down the field once more, but Will Thompson was intercepted by Hillcrest's Ki Simpson to end the drive.

However, just 2 plays later, Hillcrest fumbled when a group of Idaho Falls defenders converged on the ball carrier, and the Tigers set their offense up yet again with a chance for points. The Tiger drive stalled inside Hillcrest territory, when they were unable to convert on 4th down.

Hillcrest led this game 20-3 at one point, and Idaho Falls battled back. However, they fell just short of completing the comeback. The Hillcrest Knights win 26-23 and improve to 7-0 on the season. Idaho Falls drops to 3-4. The Tigers will take on the Century Diamondbacks next, and the Knights will take on the Skyline Grizzlies.