Knights score early and often in 51-6 playoff

It took Fremont-Mills all of 90 seconds to set the tone in its Eight-person, Pod 16 playoff victory over Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton.

The Knights won the toss, took the ball, returned the opening kickoff to the Spartan’s 16 yard line, scored the game’s first touchdown, added a two point conversion and led 8-0 before most fans had found their seats in a 51-6 victory in Tabor Friday night.

Fremont-Mills was clicking offensively from the opening snap, scoring on their first three possessions before taking a 45-0 lead into halftime. The offensive execution, the timing and the game plan all came together a week after the Knights struggled to shake off rust in a disappointing 25-16 loss to Central Valley (Neb.) following a three week layoff due to the school’s COVID-19 outbreak.

“We felt like we were in a rhythm,” said Fremont-Mills coach Jeremy Christiansen. “Last week we weren’t in a very good rhythm and we figured it out as we went along. This week we completed those short, simple passes whereas last week we were missing on them.

“And I think we did a better job picking up those blitzing linebackers because I do think everyone that plays us is going to load the box and force us to beat them with the pass. We have to be prepared to do that.”

Of Fremont-Mills’ 248 yards of total offense on the night, 172 came in the first half. Christiansen freely substituted in the second following their second third quarter possession, ahead 51-0.

The Knights forced three first half turnovers – five total in the game – they converted into touchdowns to aid their offense. In eight first possessions, Exira/EHK turned the ball over three times, had three turnovers on downs and punted twice while picking up 82 total yards.

The Spartan’s best first half drive penetrated the Knights’ 20 yard line but ended at the 18 with a sack on fourth-and-13. Fremont-Mills finished with two sacks and eight tackles for loss.

“Their quarterback didn’t have much time,” Christiansen said. “When he did have time, he threw pretty well, he has a strong arm. Our defense obviously played well. That’s where we’re hanging our hat right now.”

Paxten Van Houten led the Knight defense with six tackles, including five solo stops. Payten Van Houten added four tackles, including a sack on defense and scored three touchdowns on offense.

Quarterback Jake Malcom finished 5-of-13 passing for 96 yards and a touchdown. He added 86 yards rushing two a TD on ground.

The Knights (4-1) will host Woodbine (6-1), an 84-0 winner over Glidden Ralston in Friday’s opening round, in Friday’s second round match up.

Christiansen said the Tigers will be “big, physical and athletic” and a challenge for his team.

“I think they’re going to have the advantage up front size-wise so we’re going to have be able to combat that,” said Christiansen. “We’ll have to complete those simple passes once again, get in space defensively and keep everything in front of us. They have an explosive offense and we have to be prepared for that.”