Knights beat Bartlett, advance to Division I state title game

Colony scored 35 points during the final two quarters, but the game-changing play came during the final ticks of the first half. Colony’s all-around standout Jack Nash returned an interception 87 yards for a touchdown and the Knights continued on to score a 46-33 win over Bartlett Saturday in the ASAA Division I semifinals at Bartlett High School.

The Knights now have a shot at their first state football title in school history, and will play in the championship game for the third time. Colony finished as the runner-up in 2000 and 2006.

“It was a really good game for us,” Colony head coach Robbie Nash said. “I feel like we are peaking at the right time.”

Bartlett led 19-14 late in the second quarter. Jack Nash picked off the Bartlett pass and returned it for a score with four seconds left. The Knights hit halftime with a 21-19 lead.

“I really think that pulled the wind out of their sails,” Robbie Nash said. “We felt the momentum change at that point.”

Jack Nash, who doubles as Colony’s standout safety and signal caller, accounted for seven total touchdowns in the win. Nash completed 13 of 22 passes for 238 yards and five touchdowns. He added a dozen carries for 105 yards and a score.

Following the quarterfinal win over Service last week, Robbie Nash said tempo would be key during the semifinal bout against second-seeded Bartlett. The Golden Bears have a bulldozing running attack that averages about 400 yards a game. Colony prefers a faster pace.

“They’re consistent at what they do. They run the ball right down your throat. You have got to figure out how to stop it,” Nash said.

On offense and defense, Colony focused on what they do best. The Knights outscored the Bears 35-14 in the second half.

Colony finished with more than 400 yards of total offense.

“We had a great tempo all night long. The offense was really clicking,” Nash said. “Our offensive line was outstanding.”

Jayce Underwood finished with five catches for 72 yards and three touchdowns. Jerial Robles and Porter Reynolds also had touchdown catches.

The Knights also bounced back from a 46-7 loss to the Golden Bears during the regular season.

“We are a totally different team than we were back when we played Bartlett the first time,” Nash said.

The Knights move on to face undefeated Juneau in the Division I title game Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Service.

Contact Frontiersman editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com.