Knights showcase air game

East Valley football is known for its ground-pounding ways. But the Knights’ 50-14 season-opening victory over Rogers in the first game played on Albi Stadium’s impressive new field turf was delivered via air mail.

Almost all of EV’s scoring came in the first half, including four touchdown passes shared equally by quarterbacks Russell Woodworth and Lonnie Quirk.

The two efficient QBs had nearly identical statistics. Woodworth, a senior, finished 5 for 6 for 110 yards that included a 52-yard strike to speedy Scott Bunkelman. Quirk, a junior, was 6 for 9 for 106 yards. He also hit Bunkelman for a TD.

The senior receiver, who missed half of last season because of mononucleosis, had three catches for 103 yards.

“He has incredible speed,” said EV coach Adam Fisher, “and still has room to grow. He’s a raw talent and work in progress.”

Bunkelman said that he played enough to letter last year, although, “I took a back seat to the seniors. Now it’s my turn.”

EV scored on every possession of the first half to take a 43-7 lead. The Pirates didn’t help themselves, setting up Knights scores following a partially blocked punt, bad punt snap, two lost fumbles and an interception.

Rogers, already without injured quarterback Andrew Durant, lost his backup, Sean Adebayo, to a foot injury following the first series of the game. He was replaced by sophomore C.J. Hill.

The Pirates’ bright spot was an 88-yard touchdown by D.J. Gaines. He ran out of a backfield tackle, skirted the left side of the line and turned on the speed.

Fisher said that EV scripted the first five plays of the game that called for three straight passes. The Knights were able to exploit Pirates coverage.

“I was very pleased with both quarterbacks,” he said. “They made all the right decisions on all but one throw. Receivers caught the ball well and ran proper routes. I was pleased.”

As a result, returning GSL rushing leader Ryan Campbell carried the ball just eight times for 96 yards. He scored twice.

Gaines finished with 107 yards rushing and sophomore teammate Cody Peterson led all rushers with 109 yards on 19 carries.