Knights survive first district test

TABOR - Sam Phillips ran for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns as Fremont-Mills recorded a season-high 432 total yards of offense in a 51-12 rout of Sidney in the Eight-Man, District 8 opener for both teams Friday.

“From most aspects, I think we played fairly well,” said Fremont-Mills coach Jeremy Christiansen. “Defensively, we had some breakdowns, a couple of coverage breakdowns, but obviously, the score was where we wanted it to be.”

Sidney (2-1 overall, 0-1 in the district) had just one sustained drive and struggled all night to maintain any offensive consistency against the Knight defense. The Cowboys were out-gained 432 to 221 on the night and quarterback Michael Coates was harassed into 6-of-16 passing for 92 yards.

“I really thought our defense played well, keeping the ball in front of them and doing their assignments,” Christiansen said. “We had some blown coverage here and there but that’s sort of been a theme for us.”

The Knights led 30-6 at the half.

Knight quarterback Jason Rusten scored three touchdowns on the ground and was 8-of-11 passing for 116 yards and a touchdown. Sam Phillips carried 19 times for his 134 yards while Spencer Phillips added 72 yards on 14 carries.

“With the change in the weather we’ve had some sickness but we had some kids step up,” Christiansen said.

Christiansen compliments the play of Sam Phillips who carried the ball a career high 19 times.

“He has a little bit of everything, which is nice to see in a sophomore. He put his shoulder down a couple times when you expected it and he has that quick step when he gets in a hole. He’s a nice compliment (to Spencer Phillips).”

Broc Hansen snagged a touchdown pass from Rusten on offense and intercepted a pass and wrapped up five tackles on defense.

The Knights go on the road to Nishanbotna Friday. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.