The Knoxville Football Squad seemed to outplay, outwork, and outmuscle Carlisle Friday night, but in the end it was a 28-20 loss for the Panthers.

It looked early on that Carlisle would run away with the game early, as the Wildcats scored less than two minutes into the game and built a 14-0 lead by midway through the second quarter. However, Knoxville would dent the scoreboard and end a nine quarter scoreless streak when Justin Garrison went in on a seven yard run to cut the lead to 14-7 at the half.

Two more Carlisle scores put the score at 28-7 near the end of the third quarter, but an injury timeout by Carlisle allowed Knoxville to huddle up with the coaching staff and devise a play that sent Dylan Crouse on a “go” pattern and quarterback Bryant McWilliams threw a perfect pass for a 33 yard score with just three seconds left in the third frame.

McWilliams would score himself on a one yard run midway through the fourth quarter to make the eventual final score of 28-20. Knoxville had its chances throughout the game and in the later stages of the fourth quarter to either tie or go ahead, however Coach Troy Rider said that was where the game was lost. One of those “little things” that Rider was said hurt his team was six trips into the red zone and only two scores to show for it.

Knoxville was led on the ground by Colton Spaur, who had 51 yards on 14 carries, while Bryant McWilliams was 11-for-26 for 123 yards, a touchdown and an interception; and Dylan Crouse caught two passes for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Knoxville is now 0-5 on the season and 0-3 in Class 3A District Eight play. The Panthers travel to Newton next Friday. The Cardinals were upset by Perry last night.