ARLINGTON — A stingy defense and potent ground game helped Highland Christian triumph over Clallam Bay, Oct. 30, in front of a homecoming crowd.

“I think that blocking, hitting and pursuing the ball — we did very well tonight,” said coach Pete Miller.

The Knights (2-5, 2-2 Northland) scored 24 points in the first quarter of the 38-8 rout from a pair of rushers in its all-around attack. Nels Knutson opened the game with a pair of long touchdowns.

“We ran the ball pretty good in the first half,” Miller said. “The thing that was nice about this game was I didn’t have to deviate from my offense.”

A running team all season, the Knights showcased their ability as Danny Jaharous — who completed four two-point conversion rushes — scored Highland’s third touchdown of the quarter on a quarterback keeper. It was the first of his two scores.

Special teams played a factor in such a successful offensive production against Clallam Bay, as Highland was able to twice pin its opponent inside the 20-yard line due to solid tackles and strong kicks.

Scoring the Knights’ first touchdown in the second half was Ryan Anaya.

“It went pretty well and we were able to get Ryan some time at quarterback. I think it was a really good experience for him to play at that level,” Miller said of the sophomore.

And while the stat sheet will show five rushing TDs, a player Miller praised was receiver Randy Teal. The sure-handed senior led all comers with four receptions, and a couple in crucial third and fourth down situations.

“Skillswise, he can pretty much do it all,” Miller said of Teal, who started the season as a quarterback. “He can kick it, catch it and throw it. But the last couple weeks he has really made some great tackles on special teams.”

Not only did the Knights score in bunches, but they were also able to shut down Clallam Bay, holding them to just a touchdown in the fourth quarter due to a strong pass rush. The Knights hurried Clallam Bay quarterback Emmett Jones all night, including a handful of sacks — two of which were by Jaharous and another two by Knutson, who also had a couple of tackles for losses.

The Knights play their final home game of the season against Cresent, Nov. 6.

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