Defense sparks Knights again

WASILLA — Defense continues to reign supreme for the Colony Knights.

Colony produced 17 points with its defense and special teams, while holding South Anchorage to a single offensive score during a 24-12 nonconference win over defending large-schools state champion South Friday at Anchorage Football Stadium.

With the win, Colony improved to 3-2 overall and extended its winning streak to three straight. The victory also marked the third straight week in which the Knights defense has played a vital role in Colony’s success. Two weeks ago, the Knights pitched a shutout, blanking rival Palmer 24-0. Last week, Colony forced five turnovers during a 12-9 win over Lathrop.

Friday, special teams gave Colony its first lead and the defense gave the Knights a huge boost right before halftime.

South kicker Jared Harjehausen gave the Wolverines the early lead, booting a 41-yard field goal less than five minutes into regulation. But the Knights had an immediate answer.

On the ensuing kickoff, Colony’s Jon Pomrenke returned the ball 95 yards for a touchdown.

On the final play of the second quarter, with the Knights leading 14-6, Knights defensive back Caleb Bailey picked off a South Anchorage pass and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown.

Gio Ramos kicked a 26-yard field goal for Colony in the second half. Senior quarterback Steven Bilafer supplied the Knights lone offensive touchdown, a 1-yard run in the second quarter.

Harjehausen kicked a pair of field goals four South, adding a 37-yarder in the second quarter. Andrew Jarrell scored South’s lone touchdown, breaking free for a 43-yard run in the fourth.

Colony (3-2 overall, 1-0 in Railbelt play) returns to conference action Friday, traveling north to play West Valley (3-2, 1-0) in Fairbanks. Colony and West Valley are tied at the top of the Railbelt standings.

South Anchorage dropped to 0-5 with the loss.

Colony 24, South Anchorage 12

Sept. 11, AFS

First Quarter

South – Harjehausen 41 FG, 7:26.

Colony – Pomrenke 95 kickoff return (Boyer kick), 7:11.

Second Quarter

South – Harjehausen 37 FG, 11:23.

Colony – Bilafer 1 run (Krozel kick), 4:28.

Colony – Bailey 43 interception return (Krozel), :00.

Third Quarter

Colony – Ramos 26 FG, 6:04.

Fourth Quarter

South – Jarrell 43 run (pass failed), 9:21

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING – Colony: Havel 7-26, Nero 5-11, Nash 3-9, Pomrenke 0-0, Bilafer 18-(-5). South: Jarrell 3-50, Benedict 14-46, Kinnebrew 11-37, Stearns 3-7, Harjehausen 2-6, Stokes 1-1, Sizemore 0-0, Hanson 3-(-25).

PASSING – Colony: Bilafer 6-13-0--77. South: Hanson 7-12-2--75.

RECEIVING – Colony: Pomrenke 2-20, Nero 1-25, Nash 1-15, Havel 1-13, Boyer 1-4. South: Jarrell 3-54, Stokes 2-21, Harjehausen 1-0, Stearns 1-0.