The Knights started on defense and were solid in stopping Corry from scoring, the highlight being an interception by junior Camron Jacubczak..

It was the Knights’ turn offensively against Corry and a long drive took the Knights down to the 17-yard line before junior Michael Beaver took an inside handoff and scored.

Eisenhower also squared off against General McLane and the Knights defense would not give in, keeping the Lancers offense from scoring.

“We have scrimmaged these schools for the last few years and they have been a great gauge for our team, both are bigger and are strong programs,” Eisenhower head coach Jim Penley said. “I thought we played some good football.”

Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower junior Benji Bauer makes a shoestring tackle on a Corry wide receiver.

The Knights were led by junior running backs Keegan Eckstrom and Benji Bauer who both broke off long runs during the scrimmage.

“It was certainly nice to see our offensive line play as well as they did. Having them comfortable in the blocking schemes and knowing their assignments was clearly a plus,” Penley said. “I thought as a whole they played very, very well which opened up some huge holes for our backs.”

On the day there were bright spots on both the offense and defense for the Knights. The offense was paced by Eckstrom’s 72 rushing yards and 104 total yards. Junior quarterback Garrett Jensen had a solid day by going 5 of 9 for 79 yards and a touchdown pass to junior Wyatt Lookenhouse.

Defensively, the Knights were led by juniors Conner Younger, Benji Bauer and Eckstrom with five tackles apiece. Senior Drake Vanderhoof, junior Mike Vanatta, Caleb Penley and Younger added tackles for loss. Junior Mike Beaver added a sack and a forced fumble. On the day, the Knights defense gave up one touchdown and forced three turnovers.

“After watching the tape of the scrimmage, overall I was very pleased with the play of our offensive line, they opened up some nice holes for our backs,” Coach Penley said. “I thought Jensen did some nice things at quarterback and both of our running backs did some good things with the football.

Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower senior running back Michael Beaver is pictured on his way to a 17-yard touchdown during Saturday’s scrimmage in Corry.

I was very pleased with the play of our defense,” Penley added. “We have some things to work on, but we came out of it healthy and I’m looking forward to getting ready for Friday night.”

The Knights open their season at home against Saegertown with a 7 p.m. kickoff in Russell.