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Tag: Crestview

  • Knights’ 4th Quarter Comeback Falls Short, in Tough Loss on Senior Night.

    Cheerleaders with pom-poms welcoming the football team onto the field against a backdrop of a gray sky and stadium.

    It was a cold, mid autumn evening in the small town of Convoy, Ohio.

    Partly cloudy.

    The setting sun painted the sky with an orange, yellow, and purple tint.

    The condensation of your breath.

    The crispness of the air.

    A group of football players kneeling on the sidelines during a sunset, preparing for a game. The sky is filled with orange and purple hues, and a crowd can be seen in the background.

    The smell of freshly cooked popcorn, hot apple cider, and pizza from The Local Slice, filled your nostrils, tempting your stomach and your wallet.

    There was excitement in the air, as it was Senior night. The last home game of the season.

    On this night, Crestview honored the seniors from most of the fall sports, including cross country, golf, cheer, band, and of course, football.

    A group of high school seniors posing together on a football field during Senior Night, wearing team jerseys and holding flowers, with lights shining in the background.

    #15 Braxtyn Couts, #57 Aiden Helt, #0 Hayden Perrott, #51 Jace Wehner, #7 Liam Putman, #4 Huxley Grose, and #2 Braxton Leeth.

    The Crestview Knights were hosting the #4 ranked Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds.

    The Knights needed a win, and some help to make the playoffs.

    The Thunderbirds were just hoping to avoid an upset, as they had already clinched a playoff spot.

    The Knights defense dropped LCC for a 4-yard loss on the first play of the game.

    LCC answered right back with runs of 10 and 9 yards, before a false start penalty would set them back 5.

    They’d connect on a 7-yard pass, before Thunderbird head coach Colin Stolly called a timeout with 8:41 remaining in the first quarter.

    LCC went right back to the ground and pound, with runs of 5, 3, 2, 28, 4, and 0, before a 5-yard TD run by Lausen Flores. PAT was good, and it was a 7-0 Thunderbird lead with 4:41 left is the first.

    Scoreboard displaying Crestview Knights 0, Lima Central Catholic 7, with 4:41 remaining in the second quarter.

    The Knights first drive of the game, would feature their strength, the run game.

    HB Braxton Leeth would have runs of 4 yards, 1 yard, and 8 yards, on the first three plays.

    An incomplete pass, a 1-yard loss, and a WR run for 3 yards by Hayden Perrott, would put the Knights in a 4th and 7 from the 48-yard line.

    Crestview would catch LCC with an encroachment penalty, would make it a 4th and 2 now.

    The Thunderbirds would answer the call and stop Leeth for no gain, causing the Knights to turn the ball over on downs.

    On the very next ensuing play, LCC HB Xavier Pernell would take the ball 54 yards to the house. PAT was good, and the Thunderbirds were up 14-0, with :21 seconds remaining. That would be the final score of the quarter.

    Scoreboard displaying Crestview Knights 0 and Guest 14 with 12:00 remaining in the second quarter.

    Leeth would run for 3 and a first down.

    A pass for no gain, a 2-yard by Leeth would make it 3rd and 8.

    Knights head coach Cole Harting would call a timeout with 9:56 left in the 2nd quarter.

    Knights QB Huxley Grose would connect with HB Leeth for a 14-yard pass, but it was negated by a Crestview penalty (illegal man downfield), and it was now 3rd and 13.

    A 22-yard pass from Grose to Perrott would give the Knights a first down.

    A high school football game in progress under bright stadium lights, with players from two teams lined up for a play on the field.

    Leeth had quick runs of 2 and 3 yards.

    A high snap led to a big 11-yard loss on third down.

    The Knights would go for it on 4th and 15, but QB Huxley Grose would fumble the football. The Thunderbirds recovered at the 46-yard line.

    Once again, it would be a 1 play scoring drive for the Thunderbirds, as QB Brady Parker would connect with WR Mike Quatman on a 54-yard touchdown pass. PAT was good, and the lead was extended to 21-0 with 6:43 remaining in the half.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights 0 and Guest 21 during a football game in the second quarter.

    Crestview plays of 2 yards, 1 yard, 11 yards, -2 yards, 7 yards, and 3 yards, would bring it to another 4th and 2.

    Coach Harting would call his 2nd timeout of the half, with 2:29 left in the half.

    QB Huxley Grose would run a keeper, but only gain 1 yard, and once again, the Knights would turn the ball over on downs.

    LCC would run for 5 yards, before suffering a 1-yard loss to make it 3rd and 6, from the 46-yard line.

    They’d connect on a pass (I missed the numbers). An incomplete pass and Thunderbird head coach would call a timeout with :36 seconds left in the half.

    A Knights defensive pass interference penalty (bad call, should’ve been OPI), made it 1st and 10 at the 24-yard line.

    An incomplete pass and a 5-yard loss would force LCC to call its final timeout of the half with :11 seconds left.

    Another incomplete pass, and the Thunderbirds took a 21-0 lead into the locker room.

    A high school football game in progress, featuring players in red and blue uniforms on a grassy field under night lights.

    The Knights would get the ball to start the 2nd half of the game.

    They’d start deep in their own end, after being stopped quickly on a Knights special teams mistake.

    With the ball on their own 19-yard line, Crestview would have to drive the length of the field.

    A high school football game in progress, with players on the field wearing blue and red uniforms, against a backdrop of stadium lights.

    HB Braxton Leeth would pop off, with a 59-yard run on the first play of the half.

    A penalty on the next play would make it 1st and 15.

    An incomplete pass and a Leeth 6-yard run, would make it 4th and 9, from the 29.

    The Knights would get the first down on a reverse for 11 yards.

    Runs of 5 yards and 6 yards, then a shovel pass inside to TE Liam Putman for 4.

    Leeth would run for no gain. Back-to-back runs by Leeth on 3rd and 4th down would end in no points, as the Thunderbirds stopped the Knights at the 2-yard line. Another turnover on downs for the Knights.

    A high school football game in progress, featuring players in blue and white jerseys against red and white jerseys, on a well-maintained grass field under bright stadium lights.

    With a long field of their own, the Thunderbirds would go on a long drive.

    Pass of 8 yards to start the series.

    Runs of 6 yards, 3 yards, 6 yards, 9, yards, a 10-yard pass, run of 7 yards, 18 yards, and then an 8-yard run.

    A holding penalty on LCC would negate a run, and make it 2nd and 12 from the 32-yard line.

    A 1-yard run, and incomplete pass, would make it 4th and 11, from the 31-yard line.

    A bad snap over the head of Thunderbirds QB Brady Parker, forced an interception by Knights WR/DB Hayden Perrott.

    The Thunderbirds would take a 21-0 lead, into the 4th quarter.

    Scoreboard displaying Crestview Knights 0, Guest 21 at the end of the third quarter during a high school football game.

    HB Braxton Leeth would run for 8 yards.

    A LCC penalty (personal foul) would tack on 15 more yards, and the Knights were quickly at the 42-yard line.

    A 3-yard run, followed by a 23-yard pass, had them in scoring position.

    An incomplete pass by Grose, then a 13-yard run by Leeth.

    Leeth would be hurt on the next play, after a 1-yard run.

    Crestview would finally get on the board, when Hayden Perrott took a jet sweep for 9 yards to the endzone. The PAT no was good, and it was now a 21-6 game with 8:26 left in the 4th quarter.

    A scoreboard showing the game score between the Crestview Knights and the LCC Thunderbirds, with Crestview at 6 and LCC at 21, along with the game time and down information.

    The Knights would recover the onside kick, and start on the 44 yard line.

    They’d start with a 1-yard loss, then Huxley Grose would find Hayden Perrott for a 19-yard gain, to the 25 yard line.

    Leeth would run for 1 yard on 1st down, an incomplete pass on 2nd down, and a pass for no gain on 3rd down, had the Knights facing a 4th and 9, at the 24.

    Once again, QB Huxley Grose would find WR Hayden Perrott, as he went up and over, not 1, not 2, but 3, Thunderbirds to pull in a 24-yard TD pass, his 2nd of the game. PAT was good. It was now a 21-13, with 5:59 left in the game.

    Scoreboard showing Knights 13, Thunderbirds 21 with 5:59 left in the 4th quarter.

    The Knights lined up for another onsides kick.

    The Thunderbirds knew it was coming. Everyone in the stands knew it was coming.

    We all watched, as the improbable, become reality, as the Knights recovered another onsides kick, as the ball took a high bounce on that needed second hop.

    The crowd, which had been mostly quiet during the game, was now loud as I had heard them all season long. The coaches and players on the sidelines were jumping and cheering. All the momentum had turned in favor of the Knights.

    QB Huxley Grose would find HB Braxton Leeth on a 16-yard pass to the 30-yard line.

    Leeth would take the next play 13 yards on a run, to the 17-yard line.

    Two football teams lined up on a grass field, with players in red and blue uniforms ready for a play during a night game.

    LCC would take a timeout with 5:00 minutes remaining in the game.

    A Grose incomplete pass, and runs of 5 yards, and 2 yards, put the Knights in a pivotal 4th and 2, at the 10-yard line.

    Knights head coach Cole Harting would call a timeout, to talk it over, with 3:31 in the game.

    With the momentum going against them, the Thunderbird defense took the field, knowing exactly what needed to be done.

    The Knights decided to ride with what had led them to 6 wins in 9 games.

    They handed the ball off to HB Braxton Leeth, but the LCC defense, stood its’ ground, and made the stop when they needed it the most.

    Despite the Knights using their last two timeouts, the Thunderbirds were able to run out the clock and get the hard fought 21-13 win, and clinch a 1st round bye in the OSHAA playoffs. The loss officially eliminated the Knights from playoff contention.

    QB Huxley Grose finished the game 11 of 16, for 118 yards, and 1 TD.
    HB Braxton Leeth had 28 carries, for 144 yards.
    WR Hayden Perrott had 5 catches, for 87 yards, and 2 total TDs and an INT.
    Luke Eggleston had 8 total tackles.

    Crestview Knights and Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds players shaking hands after a competitive football game under night lights.

    I spoke to Knights head coach Cole Harting after the game about the game.

    “Well, you know, it really starts with the seniors and the amount of work that they put in these last four years. I was telling them afterwards, that when I got this job three years ago, those guys were the best class we had.”

    I asked about those seniors and being honored, here on Senior Day.

    “When it came to accountability, and just showing up to workouts and the amount of work it takes, and if you’re willing to do that. They showed all of it. That’s what I really take away from this group of seniors. I’m just really proud to have had the opportunity to coach these guys.”

    A high school football team gathers together under the goalpost, celebrating and honoring their seniors after a night game, with spectators watching from the sidelines.

    (One final huddle for the 8 outgoing seniors, as family and friends gather. There were a lot of hugs and tears, as emotions were high).

    I personally saw them practice onsides kicks, when I covered the team in the summer, I asked him about those kicks.

    “Yeah, you know, there’s always a weird one, but we were fortunate. Hayden did a great job of really getting a nice bounce on those balls, and our team did a fantastic job of getting after it, and getting down there. They were willing to stick there nose in there and go get the ball.”

    A group of football players in blue jerseys walking hand-in-hand with a crowd of supporters after a game under night lights.

    (Senior captain HB Braxton Leeth leads the Knights, into the locker room, for the final time in his career).

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats courtesy of…..Chris Lutz.

  • Knights Get a Big Win on Homecoming.

    Group of high school students in football uniforms and formal attire during a homecoming ceremony on a football field.

    Homecoming is a week full of fun and celebration. The schools have spirit week. Where each day the kids dress up in a different theme. There’s a parade through town, where kids ride in trucks and in flatbeds, and fire departments from around the area get to play with their lights and sirens.

    It’s also a week where alumni return to school, to talk about “the good old days” and reconnect with their alma mater. As well as see and talk to people that they haven’t seen in a while, as they get lost in the shuffle of life.

    It all cumulates on a cool, slightly breezy, fall Friday evening, I was surrounded by mothers taking pictures on their phones, as a new king and queen were crowned, in a ceremony before a big conference football game.

    Ceremony crowning the homecoming king and queen, with crowned students standing on a football field surrounded by peers and young helpers.

    Brentyn Rodriguez and Ellie Ward were voted king and queen for 2025.

    After all the pomp and circumstance, and pregame activities, run by Coach Dylan Hicks, it was time to get down to the business at hand.

    The #14 Crestview Knights needed a win to keep their slim hopes of a playoff berth alive, against the #22 Spencerville Bearcats, in a very tough Division 6, Region 22.

    A football player wearing a red jersey with the number 2 runs through a cheerleader tunnel, with cheerleaders in black and colorful pom-poms on either side, as a large inflatable mascot looms in the background.

    On the first play of the game, HB Braxton Leeth ran the ball for 24 yards to keep the crowd cheering loudly. QB Huxley Grose hit TE Liam Putman on a shovel pass, that went to the 1-yard line. Spencerville defense held strong and stopped Leeth for a loss of 3 yards.

    On third down, the Bearcats held strong again, and dropped Leeth for 2 yards. It was now fourth and goal from the 6-yard line. Crestview head coach called his first timeout of the game with 8:24 left in the first quarter.

    Instead of attempting a field goal, the Knights went for it. QB Huxley Grose dropped back to pass, but there was nothing open. He scrambled around the left side, and took it into the endzone for the first touchdown of the game.

    A football player in a black jersey is attempting to tackle an opponent in a red jersey while other players are engaged in the play on a grass field under dim lighting.

    The PAT was no good. The Knights had a 6-0 lead early.

    The Crestview defense had a good first series, as DE Will Sheets had a TFL on second down, to force a third and long for the Bearcats. DB Cash Hammons (more on him later) got the interception on the pass in great field position.

    Leeth had a 12-yard catch from Grose on first down. He’d hit WR Hammons for 8 yards, and then Leeth would take it in for a 3-yard touchdown run. A bad snap (something the Knights have struggled with all season), led to another missed PAT, making it a 12-0 Crestview lead, with 6:07 left in the first quarter. That would be the last score of the first.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights leading 12-0 against the guest team during a football game.

    The Bearcats would not go quietly, as they proceeded to eat away at the clock. Runs of 5, 4, 3, 8, 4, and 4 just tired out the Knights and defense. They’d get a 10-yard run on a very nice QB scramble by Grady Smith. They’d finally get on the board, on a beautiful play action fake, and a wide-open touchdown. PAT was good, to make it a 12-7 Knights lead.

    Knights TE Liam Putman would return the squib kick for 30 yards. He’d drop a pass from Grose on first down, and Crestview would end up turning to the ball over on downs, after another missed connection by Grose and Putman.

    Once again, the Bearcats would just march the ball down the field. Runs of 12, 2, 2, 13, 9, and 15 yards, would force Knights head coach Cole Harting to call another timeout with 4:01 left in the half, as the defense was completely gassed. A Knights facemask penalty would setup a Bearcats touchdown on a QB sneak. PAT was good and Spencerville had a 14-12 lead with 2:15 left in the first half.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights with 12 points, Spencerville Bearcats with 14 points, in a high school football game.

    It would be a VERY SHORT lead for the Bearcats, as Knights WR/DB/K Hayden Perrott took the ensuing kickoff up the middle, before cutting to the right, and breaking tackles, all the way to the endzone for an 85-yard touchdown, to get the crowd back into the game.

    The Knights would go for the two-point attempt, and it would be no good. Crestview would take an 18-14 lead into the locker room, as the Bearcats couldn’t do anything before the half.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights 18, Guest 14, 2 minutes left in the second quarter.

    Spencerville would receive the kickoff, and it was the same old story. Run the ball and wear the defense out. Runs of 1, 28, and 12 yards, before another Knights penalty (encroachment) would help them even more. They’d score on an 8-yard run. PAT was no good, but the Bearcats had the lead again, 20-18 with 10:06 left in the third.

    Football players in red uniforms prepared for a play on the field, with a scoreboard in the background and a clear night sky.

    The Knights were backed up after the kickoff, but Leeth would take over the drive. Runs of 27 yards, 13 yards, 8 yards, a Bearcat penalty (encroachment), would all lead to a 23-yard touchdown run by Leeth. The 2-point attempt was successful.

    Crestview regained the lead 26-20 with 7:07 left in the third quarter. That would be it for the quarter. A bone-headed unnecessary roughness penalty by Crestview, was the only real highlight after the score.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights 26, Spencerville Bearcats 20, with 12:00 left in the game.

    Leeth had runs of 6 and 3, before a Spencerville penalty (encroachment). Leeth would continue to run, and ultimately score from 6 yards out. PAT was good, giving the Knights a 33-20 lead with 11:55 left in the game.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights 33, Guest 20, with 11:55 left in the fourth quarter and 2nd down.

    The Bearcats got stuffed on the ensuing kickoff, getting tackled at the 15-yard line. Spencerville runs of 8, 17, 2, 3, and 4 yards, had them quickly down the field. A Bearcat pass of 14 yards took them to the 32-yard line. Knights LB #55 Kale Lichtensteiger had a 3-yard TFL, hoping to stop the momentum.

    The Bearcats answered right back the next play with a 14-yard run. The Knights answered that with a 1-yard TFL (missed the number), to bring up a big fourth down and two. Spencerville ran the ball up the gut, to get the first down, on a generous spot, that the side judge was overruled on.

    A competitive moment during a high school football game, with players from both teams engaged in a pile-up on the field under night lights.

    Runs of 7 yards and 10 yards, got the Bearcats into a first and goal from the 6-yard line. Back-to-back runs of 2 yards each made it third and goal. Knights LB #28 Conner Hammons was hurt on the play, but walked off under his own power.

    Spencerville scored the next play, with a 2-yard touchdown run. The PAT was good, cutting the lead to 33-27, with 4:46 left in the game.

    Scoreboard displaying the final score of a football game, Crestview Knights 33, Spencerville Bearcats 27, with 4:46 remaining in the fourth quarter.

    The Bearcats recovered the ensuing onsides kick, after the Knights special teams, looked scared to go after the ball. There was an almost 5-minute delay of the game, because the officials had another pow-wow, to discuss where the ball should be spotted.

    By rule, the ball cannot be advanced by the runner, on an onsides kick. The Bearcats recovered it on the bounce and returned it almost to the 30-yard line. The officials finally did get it right, and moved the ball back to the 41-yard line.

    The Bearcats quickly had runs of 1 yard, 3 yards, and 4 yards, to make it fourth and two. A false start penalty, pushed it back 5 more yards, and it was now fourth and seven, from the 38.

    Knights WR/DB sophomore Cash Hammons would grab his 2nd INT of the night, and stop the comeback attempt in its’ tracks.

    A football player wearing a red jersey with the number 2 is evading a tackle from a player in a black jersey during a nighttime game, while additional players from both teams are visible in the background.

    HB Braxton Leeth had a long touchdown run negated by a very controversial holding penalty, that was discussed by the officials for over a minute.

    It literally happened right in front of me at the 15-yard line. It was a bad call.

    Leeth came back to the huddle, quite unhappy, and proceeded to have an ANGRY ten-yard run on the very next play, where he absolutely TRUCKED a Bearcat defender, and got the Knights sideline jumping around.

    The Bearcats called their final two timeouts, after runs of 5 yards, and 11 yards, by Leeth. Crestview would take a knee to run out the clock, and get a big 33-27 win on homecoming,

    A football player wearing a red jersey and pants stands on the field, smiling and holding up an award certificate.

    WR/DB Cash Hammons was the allsportsfan.com Player of the Game.

    He had 2 big INTs, that stopped the Bearcat offense dead in their tracks, when they had all the momentum.

    HB Braxton Leeth had 23 carries, for 238 yards, and 3 TDs to lead the offense.

    I spoke to Crestview Knights Head Coach Cole Harting after the game, about getting this big win after a 2-game losing streak.

    “Yeah, I mean coming off our last two weeks, you look at those teams, and they are excellent football teams. It’s definitely good to get back into the win column. Hats off to Spencerville, but our guys made enough plays down the stretch and seal it up.”

    High school football players in red and white uniforms walk across the field after a game, shaking hands with opponents.

    I asked coach, about need to get the upset win against LCC next Friday on senior night, at a chance to make the playoffs.

    “You know, we just got to play with a little bit more physicality all the time. Right now, it’s coming in spurts. Every single man. We have to play physical, and if we do that, I think we can really be in that game next week.”

    I spoke to him about Cash Hammons big game.

    Two football players in red uniforms, one (#28) facing away and another (#8) holding a football while looking determined, set against a night game backdrop.

    “We talked about it all week. We have to stop them on first and second down, and get them into third and long situations. Cash came up with a great play to setup our second touchdown, and another great play to seal the game for us. The really great thing is he’s only a sophomore, and he’s going to continue to learn.”

    The Crestview Knights (6-3, 4-2 NWC) play the Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds (8-1, 5-1 NWC) at home for Senior Night. Game starts a 7:00 PM (EST).

    Three students at a football game, wearing matching black shirts with pink lettering supporting breast cancer awareness, smiling and posing for the camera.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats courtesy of…..Chris Lutz.

    Pictures courtesy of…..Wyatt Photography and myself.

  • Knights Defense Pitches a Shutout, in Conference Win.

    The Crestview Knights football team runs through an inflatable player tunnel during the pregame festivities on Military Appreciation Night.

    It was Military Appreciation Night in Convoy, Ohio, on a warm, early fall evening.

    The Crestview Knights took the field, donning special uniforms, after pregame ceremonies thanking local community members, for their service to our great country.

    The Delphos Jefferson Wildcats made the short trip west on US-30, looking to pick up their first conference win of the season.

    On the first snap of the game, the Wildcats fumbled the football but managed to recover. After picking up a first down, they would get nothing. Jefferson converted a fake punt, but a delay of game penalty and another fumble for an eighteen-yard loss, would stall their opening drive.

    High school football game in Convoy, Ohio, featuring Crestview Knights in special uniforms and Delphos Jefferson Wildcats on the field with a scoreboard in the background.

    The Knights would not convert their own 4th and 4, on their first possession of the game. Knights TE/DE Liam Putman would get his 1st of 7 sacks (new school record) on second down, forcing the Wildcats into a 3rd and 16.

    Putman would have 3rd down catches of 11 and 8 yards on the ensuing possession for the Knights.

    Crestview would finally get on the board, with a 59-yard touchdown run by quarterback Huxley Grose, at the 1:17 mark of the game of the first quarter. That would be it for the quarter as well.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights leading 7-0 against the Delphos Jefferson Wildcats with 1:17 left in the first quarter.

    The Wildcats would once again struggle with the snap. This time on a 4th and 3 punt. The high snap would force the punter into an incomplete pass, giving the Knights the football at the 27-yard line. Crestview wouldn’t do anything with the ball on this drive, and ended up missing a 45 yard field goal attempt.

    Another bad snap on 2nd down, making it a 3rd and 9. The Wildcats would convert on a big 48-yard pass, all the way down to the 38-yard line. After a false start penalty, Jefferson would call a timeout, with 8:12 left in the half.

    The theme continued, as the 2nd bad snap of the drive, made it 3rd and 35 for Jefferson. Pressure by the Knights defense forced a bad pass, and #0 Hayden Perrott would pick it off, and take the interception back 50 yards for a touchdown. Made it a 14-0 game with 7:00 minutes left.

    Crestview Knights football scoreboard showing Knights 14, Guest 0, with 7:00 minutes left in the second quarter.

    A Jefferson false start penalty on 2nd down and Crestview would get a sack by #66 OT/DE Will Sheets would end the drive.

    Knights #15 WR/DB Braxtyn Couts would get their 2nd interception of the game.

    #4 QB Huxley Grose would connect with #15 Braxtyn Couts for a 25-yard touchdown pass. PAT was good, and that would end the scoring for the first half, with the Knights leading 21-0.

    Scoreboard displaying Crestview Knights 21, Delphos Jefferson Wildcats 0 at halftime with 20 minutes remaining.

    Special shoutout to Crestview Knights #13 WR/DB Bowen Ayers, who returned my 50/50 tickets, that fell out of my pocket.

    The Knights would lose a yard on the first play of the half, then a holding call would push the ball back to the 17-yard line. They would be forced to punt from deep in their territory.

    The Knights would recover a fumble.

    #2 HB/DB Braxton Leeth would finally get his first good run of the game, going 13 yards. A Crestview false start would make it 1st and 15 on the 35.

    Leeth would pop off back-to-back 18 yard runs and score his first touchdown of the game. PAT good making it 28-0 with 7:55 left in the 3rd.

    Crestview Knights scoreboard showing a score of 28-0 against the guest team, with 7:55 remaining in the third quarter.

    DEs Liam Putman and Will Sheets would get a big 3rd down sack.

    HB Braxton Leeth would run for 9 yards on first down.

    QB Huxley Grose would lose 2 yards, making it 3rd and 3 from the 36.

    Leeth would run for 37 yards and his 2nd touchdown of the game.

    A football play in progress during a night game, with players in dark and light uniforms on the field, bright stadium lights illuminating the scene.

    The PAT was good, making it a 35-0 Crestview lead.

    That would be the final scoring play of the game.

    The scoreboard at a football game shows Crestview Knights leading 35-0 against the guest team, with 0:00 time remaining in the fourth quarter.

    QB Huxley Grose finished the game 12 of 21, for 102 yards, and 1 TD.

    HB Braxton Leeth had 17 carries, for 117 yards, with 2 TDs.

    TE Liam Putman had 4 catches, for 32 yards.

    Putman also led the team in tackles and sacks with 7, to become the 1st ever allsportsfan.com Player of the Game.

    A football player from the Crestview Knights stands on the sidelines after a game, wearing a camouflage jersey and holding a ticket while smiling for the camera.

    I spoke to Crestview Knights Head Coach Cole Harting on the sideline after the game.

    I asked him what were the positives in another conference win?

    “I thought our defense played lights out. Liam Putman had five, six, or seven sacks, and that was huge for us. Our defense has struggled at times this season, and to come out and with this type of dominate performance was just amazing to watch. We struggled on offense tonight and our defense picked us up.

    Football team huddled together on the field during a night game, surrounded by coaches and support staff.

    I asked him about Liam Putmans’ dominate game, especially his catches on 3rd down. If that was something they worked on in practice this week.

    “We always work on third downs, and we really work on our plays, and we really run and focus on those plays. We executed very well tonight on those plays.

    Crestview Knights football team poses together on the field after Military Appreciation Night, wearing special camouflage uniforms.

    The Knights were unstoppable off the edge in the game. Getting pressure on Jefferson all game long and forcing scrambles and not letting him get comfortable. I asked him about the defensive performance off the edge.

    “Our guys up front played phenomenal tonight. They made it tough for their quarterback. We didn’t give him time and that led to a couple of interceptions which is pretty awesome.”

    The Knights are now 5-1 overall, and 3-0 in the Northwest Conference. They travel to Bluffton next Friday Night to play the Pirates. Game starts at 7:00 PM (EST).

    – by Sean McKenzie

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    Stats courtesy of…..Chris Lutz.

  • Lady Knights Dominate Lady Bearcats in Conference Match.

    Crestview Lady Knights Volleyball Team huddled together on the court before a match, wearing blue uniforms and preparing for the game.

    The Crestview Lady Knights Volleyball Team hosted the Spencerville Bearcats at The Ray, in a Northwest Conference match.

    The Lady Bearcats got the first point of the match, but that would be the highlight of the first set for them. The Lady Knights were aggressive and aces by #10 Lillie Best (18-4) and #1 Ayla Kreischer (21-5), easily won the first set by a score of 25-9.

    The 2nd set, saw the Bearcats again get the first point, and was a much closer start to the set. Going back and forth, it was a 5-5 game. The Lady Cats went on a run, seizing momentum, forcing Crestview HC Tammy Gregory to call a timeout, down 12-7.

    A volleyball player from the Crestview Lady Knights prepares to serve during a match against the Spencerville Bearcats, with an audience visible in the background.

    The timeout worked, as it completely stopped the momentum that Spencerville had gathered, as the Lady Knights tied the game at 12-12, and then went on a run. An ace by #20 Nora Perkins forced a Spencerville timeout, with Crestview up 20-16. The Lady Knights would win the 2nd set 25-17.

    This time, the Knights would get the first point of the set, and would quickly jump out to an 8-4, then 15-5 lead.

    An ace by #10 Lillie Best would a force a Bearcat timeout, leading 13-5. Then next ten points would be a bit back and forth, with the Knights leading 19-9. A long hard-fought rally would go the way of Crestview to make it 23-16, before the Lady Knights would win the final set 25-18, and win the match in straight sets (25-9, 25-17, 25-18).

    Crestview Lady Knights Volleyball Team and Spencerville Bearcats shaking hands after the match, with the scoreboard showing a final score of 25-18.

    Kaci Gregory led the Knights on serves, going 15 of 15 with 1 ace, as well leading the team in digs, with 12. It’s fun watching her dive all over the court. She’s a vocal leader as well.

    Haley McCoy led the team in hitting (14 kills) and blocks (3).

    Emily Lichtle led the team in setting with 23 assists.

    Crestview Lady Knights volleyball team in a huddle during a match, wearing blue and red uniforms.

    The win makes the Lady Knights an undefeated 4-0 in conference play. I asked Crestview head coach Tammy Gregory about how they girls are keeping the winning train rolling.

    “They’re confident and they trust one another. The younger ones are really coming along, and the older ones, they trust them. Another conference win and we’re still working towards that goal of winning the conference.”

    With another undefeated team on the docket, I asked coach, how they’re preparing for the challenge.

    “We’re going to focus on the basics tomorrow. We only practice on Wednesday and Fridays, because we play every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Aggressive serving and you can’t get enough defense.”

    I asked about the Lady Knights aggressiveness at the net. It was much more prominent in this game.

    “I don’t want them being tipping machines, but we talk about how you should have all your options, even in the timeouts. No free balls, we preach that over, and over, and over. They’ve got to do something aggressive, and they are doing that.”

    The 16th state ranked Lady Knights are now 9-3 overall (4-0 in the NWC). They travel up I-75 to take on the Bluffton Lady Pirates, who are 12-5 overall and (4-0 in the NWC).

    – by Sean McKenzie

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    Stats courtesy of…..Crestview head coach Tammy Gregory.

  • Knights Take on Lancers, in a Cross County Rivalry Match.

    Players from the Crestview Knights and Lincolnview Lancers shake hands at the net after a volleyball match, showcasing sportsmanship in a gym filled with spectators.

    Nothing like a good rivalry game, on a warm Tuesday afternoon, to get the blood flowing.

    That’s exactly what we saw in as the Lincolnview Lancers made the trip across Van Wert County, to take on the Crestview Knights.

    The Lancers were coming off back-to-back losses, and the Knights had won two straight matches.

    Lincolnview opened the scoring, before going down 13-8 and calling a timeout. The Lancers then won a long rally to make it a 15-13 game. The Lancers and Knights traded timeouts at 16-15, and 20-18. The girls would trade points and rallies back and forth, before the Knights finally put them away, winning a hard fought first set, 28-26.

    A packed gymnasium filled with fans watching a volleyball match, with a player preparing to serve in the foreground.

    Knights #7 Emily Lichtle opened the 2nd set with an ace. Crestview would force a timeout by Lincolnview up 3-0.

    There would be a long discussion at the net by two officials and players from each team, as nobody saw which side of the net, the ball fell, on what was supposed to be the 7th point of match. They finally decided to simply replay the point, and eventually the Knights won. (The two officials would not answer when I asked about it after the game).

    They would once again go back and forth, with ties at 7-7, and again at 13-13. Crestview would go on a 4-point streak and force another timeout at 18-14. The Knights would call a timeout at 21-19.

    The Knights would win the second set, the same way they started. Another ace by #7 Emily Lichtle iced it, 25-20.

    She had a big game, going 17/17 on serves, with 2 aces, and a whooping 20 sets.

    A volleyball match in progress, featuring players from Crestview and Lincolnview in a gymnasium filled with spectators.

    The Lancers would get the 1st point of the third set, before the Knights would answer with 4 straight. There would be great saves by Knights players #5 Lydia Grace and #3 Kaci Gregory, to get the ball back in play. Crestview would end up winning the point and going up 8-7. The Lancers didn’t go down easy, forcing a Knights timeout, with the Lancers up 11-9.

    They would trade leads, before getting to a 15-15 tie. There was a miscommunication between Grace and Gregory on play, and the Lancers got the point to go up 16-15. Crestview would take the lead back at 17-16, and #20 Nora Perkins would get a big ace at 19-16. Forcing a Lancers timeout at 21-18. Perkins would finish going 16/16 on serves, with 1 ace, and 13 sets.

    The Lancers had one last fight in them, tying it at 22-22, before the Lady Knights would win the 3rd and final set of the match, in straight sets (28-26, 25-20, 25-22).

    #21 Haley McCoy led the team with 12 kills and 4 blocks. Kaci Gregory and Lydia Grace each had 19 digs for the Knights. Grace also went 9/10 on serves with an ace, as well.

    Players and coaches gathered in a gymnasium before a volleyball match between Crestview and Lincolnview, with the scoreboard showing 0-0.

    I spoke with Crestview Knights girls volleyball head coach Tammy Gregory after the game.

    I asked her how she and the team were feeling after getting a big conference win.

    “I’m just so proud of the girls. You know, we put it together. We made some changes down the stretch, and they just trust each other. They’re becoming more confident every game. Winning the conference is a goal of ours. They had a game last night, and the girls stepped up and did what they had to do.”

    It was a game of long rallies, with both teams going on long runs of 5 and 6 straight points. I asked how she kept the girls focused when momentum changes like that.

    Crestview Knights girls volleyball team huddled around their coach, discussing strategy during a match.

    “We talk about that because your right. You know, our goal is to never let somebody score more than two points, but you know, that stuff happens. You have to stop it. Whether that’s a timeout, or changing something on the court, so that it looks different to the serving team. Once you get the momentum, you have to keep it going.”

    The Knights are coming up on a stretch of 5 games in 9 days. I asked about that upcoming calendar.

    “We’ve got another conference game on Thursday, and the girls know that we cannot overlook any team, at any given night. Some things are going well for us, some things aren’t, but we’re going to continue to gel and believe in one another.”

    A crowded gymnasium filled with spectators watching a volleyball match, featuring bleachers on both sides and a volleyball net in the foreground.

    The Knights are now 6-3 overall, and 2-0 in the Northwest Conference.

    The Lady Knights will host the Allen East Mustangs (3-8 overall, and 0-2 in conference play), on Thursday afternoon. JV starts at 5:30 PM (EST).

    Knights JV girls volleyball team was also victorious, winning 2-1.

    – by Sean McKenzie

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    Stats courtesy of…..Knights Head Coach Tammy Gregory.

  • Knights Win a Shootout, in Conference Opener.

    A group of children excitedly watches as football players exit an inflatable knight tunnel at a field during warm late summer evening.

    It was a warm, late summer evening, with a slight breeze in Convoy, Ohio.

    Little children running around with excitement.

    The smell of salty, buttery, freshly popped popcorn permeated the air, making your mouth water just a bit.

    It was the start of Northwest Conference play. The race for the title has officially begun.

    Fort Loramie got the ball first, and couldn’t get anything started, as Knights CB Hayden Perrott got a sack on 3rd down, forcing a punt.

    A youth football game in Convoy, Ohio, featuring players in blue and black uniforms on the field during a warm summer evening, with spectators in the background.

    Crestview offense took to the field and struck quickly, as HB Braxton Leeth scored on the very first offensive play from scrimmage. Taking it 42 yards for the touchdown with 10:30 on the clock.

    The Redskins would answer back with a 32-yard touchdown from QB Tanner Heckman to Tanner Eilerman. They’d convert a 2-point conversion to make it 8-7.

    Knights TE Liam Putman would get a nice return on the kickoff, down to the 41-yard line. Leeth would score another touchdown, this time from 50 yards out. The PAT was no good, making it a 13-8 Knights lead with 6:41 left in the first quarter. That would be the score at the end of 1.

    Scoreboard displaying Crestview Knights 13 and Guest 8 with 12:00 on the clock in the second quarter.

    The Knights would get a TFL on first down. Redskins QB Tanner Heckman misses a wide open reciever on 3rd and 12.

    Crestview and Fort Loramie would trade stops in the 2nd quarter before the Redskins would score on a 35-yard touchdown pass from Heckman to Hoying. The ensuing 2-point conversion attempt failed. Giving them a 14-13 lead.

    Knights HB Braxton Leeth would score his 3rd touchdown of the first half, from 42 yards out. The 2-point attempt was successful, and the Knights took the lead 21-14.

    High school football game in Convoy, Ohio, with players on the field preparing for a play under a colorful sunset.

    The Redskins would convert a big 3rd and 8 on a 10-yard run with 2:47 left in the 2nd quarter. They’d score on a Ray Hoying 4-yard run, and another successful 2-point conversion, to make it 22-21 with 1:00 minute left in the quarter.

    Crestview would again answer very quickly, on a 36-yard run by WR Hayden Perrott with only 0:15 seconds left in the first half. The Knights lined up to go for another 2-point conversion, but a false start penalty, changed head coach Cole Hartings mind. The PAT was good, and it was a 28-22 Knights lead going in at the half.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights 28 and Guest 22 as the 3rd quarter ends.

    Knights QB Huxley Grose would complete a quick pass for a first down, before Leeth would score on a 46-yard touchdown run. PAT good, to make it 35-22.

    Fort Loramie would respond with an 11-yard pass, and later a big run down to the Crestview 15-yard line. HB Hoying would take it in from 6 yards out for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion succeeded, and they cut lead to 35-30 with 8:43 left in the 3rd quarter.

    Grose would hit Perrott for 9 yards on first down. Leeth would pop another big run, down to the 25-yard line, before breaking a tackle in the backfield and scoring his fifth touchdown. This time from 4 yards out. 2-point conversion fails, but it’s now a 41-30 Knights lead with 5:57 on the clock.

    Knights DE Will Sheets would get a sack and force a fumble, at the 10-yard line.

    A high school football game in progress, showing players from two teams on the field during a night game.

    Leeth would make it touchdown number 6, from 10-yards out. The PAT was good, to take an 18-point lead. 48-30, with 5:33 left in the 3rd quarter.

    The Knights would force a Redskins punt. Crestview would muff the punt, and the Redskins would recover, however, it was negated by an illegal formation penalty.

    Fort Loramie would force the Knights into a 4th and 2 from the 37. Coach Harting would go for it, handing it off to Leeth, who took it up the middle for 7 yards and a first down to the 30. QB Grose would hit TE Putman to the 22.

    It would be a 48-30 Knights lead heading into the 4th quarter.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights 48, Guest 30, with 12:00 left in the fourth quarter, down showing 3rd down and 2 yards to go.

    The Braxton Leeth show would conclude with his 7th touchdown of the game. A 5-yard run. The PAT would be good, and Crestview would take a 25-point lead 55-30, with 11:05 left in the game.

    The Redskins would get on the board, one last time on a 1-yard run by Zander Grillot. The 2-point conversion was good, and that would give us the final score of 55-38.

    Scoreboard displaying a football game between Crestview Knights and an opposing team, showing a score of 55 for the Knights and 38 for the guests with 1:34 remaining in the fourth quarter.

    Knights HB Braxton Leeth finished the night with 24 carries, for a massive 315 yards, with a whopping 7 TDs.

    The senior running back has ran for 1,046 yards, on 91 carries, for 16 TDs, and 0 fumbles, in 4 games this season.

    I spoke to Crestview Knights head coach Cole Harting after the game.

    I asked him how it felt to start conference play with a big win at home.

    “You obviously want to start league play 1 and 0. We didn’t want to start behind the eight ball with the rest of the league. It was great to come out here and establish some physicality and run the ball.”

    Two football teams shaking hands at the end of a night game on a well-lit field.

    I asked him about maybe leaning too much on Leeth.

    “You know, Fort Loramie is a good team, and they can score a bunch of points. He’s our best player and you know, you look at it, he only had 8 carries in the first half, scoring several touchdowns, it’s not really that alarming. We try to mix it up a little bit at any time when need a play, but he’s our go to guy.”

    Fort Loramie had success passing the football, using motion in the backfield, and getting open on crossing routes.

    “That’s something if you watch on film, that Fort Loramie wanted to go to #81 and #0. They didn’t really focus on throwing to anybody else, so our defense was focused on those guys, and we did a nice job of limiting them. #81 made a couple of nice plays, and #0 did a nice job, but we made them earn it.”

    A group of football players in blue jerseys huddled together on the field during a nighttime practice, surrounded by coaches and staff.

    It seemed like DE Will Sheets was always in the backfield when the Knights needed him to be. I talked to Coach Harting about that.

    “He’s put on a lot of weight. A lot of good weight. A lot of muscle, and it’s really showing up now on Friday nights. It’s been really awesome to see that transformation as a football player, so we expect big things out of him and he does so, by making timely stops for us on defense.”

    The Knights (3-1 overall, 1-0 in the NWC), travel to Harrod, Ohio next Friday night, to take on the Allen East Mustangs (1-3 overall, 0-1 in the NWC). Game starts at 7:00 PM (EST).

    Stats and information courtesy of…..Chris Lutz.

  • Knights Take on Raiders, in County Rivalry Game.

    A group of four high school girls dressed in patriotic attire, smiling and posing together at a football game. They are wearing colorful hats and accessories, celebrating military appreciation night.

    Nothing says small town Americana like a high school, Friday Night football game, on a cool, crisp, fall evening.

    It was military appreciation night as, the Crestview Knights took the short trip to Haviland, Ohio to take on the Wayne Trace Raiders.

    This was the 2nd rivalry game in 3 weeks for the Knights.

    It would be a fast start for the Knights in the first quarter, as HB Braxton Leeth take it to the house on a 78-yard touchdown run every early.

    Wayne Trace would control the clock in the first quarter but not get on the board.

    Crestview Knights football player celebrating on the field during a game at sunset.

    Leeth would once again, get into the endzone with a 53-yard run, on a 3rd and 5.

    The senior running back would finish the game with 13 carries, for 233 yards, and 4 TDs (78, 53, 15, 34).

    The 2nd quarter would continue to be a friendly one for the Knights, as WR/DB Hayden Perrott would score two touchdowns.

    The first was a 48-yard pass from QB Huxley Grose to make it a 21-0.

    He’d follow that right up with a 51-yard interception return for a touchdown, to give the Knights a 28-0 lead.

    A high school football player in camo jersey is tackled by an opponent during a game.

    The Knights defense held strong for most of the first half.

    The Wayne Trace Raiders would finally get on the board with 36.2 seconds left in the half, when Clay Stoller took it in from 5 yards out.

    The Knights went into the locker room with a 28-7 at the half.

    TE Liam Putman had a big 24-yard catch in the first drive of the 3rd quarter, which was finished off by Leeth’s 3rd touchdown of the night. The PAT was no good, so it was a 34-7 game.

    The following drive, it was once again, Grose to Putman for 24 yards. Grose was sacked on a first down, to make it a 2nd and 19. What do you do?

    A football player from the Crestview Knights team tackles an opposing player from the Wayne Trace Raiders during a high school football game under a setting sun.

    You just hand it off to #2 and watch him bounce it outside and run for a 39-yard touchdown (his 4th and final one of the night).

    The score was now 41-7 Knights, and the running clock went into effect.

    The Raiders would get into the endzone three times in the 3rd and 4th quarters, as the backups from Crestview were now playing, to make it a bit more of a respectable final score of 41-20.

    The Knights have beaten the Raiders, 11 straight seasons now.

    The Crestview Knights (2-1) open up NWC play, next Friday Night, at home, against the Fort Loramie Redskins (1-2). Game starts at 7:00 PM (EST).

    A group of cheerleaders in Crestview Knights athletic attire, posing on the sidelines of a football field, with a crowd in the background.

    – by Sean McKenzie.

    Stats courtesy of …..Chris Lutz.

    Pictures courtesy of…..Richardson Photography.

  • Crestview Knights take on the 4-time defending state champions.

    Crestview Knights football team walking onto the field before a game, wearing blue uniforms, with coaches and staff in the background.

    The Crestview Knights varsity football opened their 2025 home schedule against the toughest team in the entire state of Ohio.

    The Marion Local Flyers.

    The Flyers came in on a 65-game winning streak, and have won 4 straight football state championships.

    The Knights came in 1-0 after defeating rival Parkway, 62-41.

    Crestview Knights football team running onto the field before the game.

    Crestview received the opening kickoff, and got a nice return by #2 Braxton Leeth. That would be as good as it got for the Knights on the opening drive.

    A miscommunication on 3rd down, led to a 5-yard loss. That was immediately followed by a bad snap, causing Marion Local to take over at the 23-yard line.

    The Flyers scored a touchdown on the 1st play, with a 23-yard run by #20 Ben Meier, to take a fast 7-0 lead.

    A Crestview Knights football player in blue uniform number 4 prepares to pass the ball while being pressured by a player from the opposing team in yellow.

    The following possession, Knights QB #Huxley Grose would get a nice scramble for a first down. The Flyers would stop Leeth for a 1-yard loss on 3rd and 3.

    Knights head coach Cole Harding would go for it on 4th down, but the Flyers broke up the pass.

    The Flyers would score on the 2nd play of their 2nd drive, and that would be a theme for the night, to make it 14-0.

    On the very 1st play of the Knights 3rd drive, QB Huxley Grose would throw his 1st of 3 interceptions of the game. The Flyers would quickly score their 3rd touchdown in 3 drives.

    A football player in a yellow jersey evades a tackle from a blue jersey player on a grassy field during a game.

    Marion Local would have a bad snap on the PAT, but they managed to get to the edge and actually convert it, into a successful 2-point conversion.

    Crestview would go for it on another 4th down play, and covert with a nice pass from Grose to #7 TE Liam Putman.

    The 1st quarter would end with the Flyers up 22-0.

    Marion Local would score again to make it 29-0 in the 2nd quarter.

    Knights #28 Conner Hammons would get an interception, but it would be a 3 and out.

    The Flyers would score back-to-back touchdowns, and it would be a massive 43-0 halftime lead.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights 0, Guest 43, with 19:48 left in the third quarter.

    The officials would go to a running clock for the 2nd half of the game. It wouldn’t get any better for the Crestview Knights.

    Knights TE Liam Putman would be hurt of the 1st play of the 2nd half. Thankfully, he was able to the sideline under his own power. He would not return to the game.

    Another Flyers touchdown, thanks to some bad tackling attempts makes it 49-0.

    A holding penalty would move the Knights back. Leeth with a 9 yard run to make it 3rd and 9. Marion Local would get the sack forcing another Knights punt.

    Knights DL #57 Aiden Helt would get a big sack on 3rd down to force a Flyers punt.

    Marion Local would down the punt at the 4-yard line. The Knights would fumble the ball shortly afterwards, and the Flyers would return it to the 1-yard line. Another Flyers touchdown would make it 56-0 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

    Crestview Knights varsity football team huddled together on the field before the game.

    The Flyers would get 1 more touchdown on this night, to get a 63-0 win over the Knights.

    Marion Local has now won 66 games in a row. It’s their 50th straight regular season win.

    The Flyers last lost a regular season game, way back on October 18th, 2019, to the Minster Wildcats.

    A group of Crestview Knights football players in yellow and gray uniforms walk off the field under bright stadium lights after a game.

    Knights QB Huxley Grose finished 3 of 10, for 20 yards, and 3 INTs.
    HB Braxton Leetch had 24 carries, for 79 hard earned yards.
    DB Braxtyn Couts led the team with 6 tackles.

    Flyers QB Brennen Hess finished 4 of 6, for 96 yards, with 2 TDs and 1 INT.
    HB Ben Meier had 8 carries, for 110 yards, and 3 TDs.

    I spoke with Crestview head coach Cole Harting after the game.

    Players from the Crestview Knights football team walking on the field during a night game, with stadium lights shining.

    I asked Coach Harting, what are some positives that he and the team could take out of this home opening loss?

    “You know, our kids played hard. I thought we did some good things on offense. Defense is still coming along. We missed some tackles. We knew how good this team was coming in and it showed. We still got a way to go, to get to that point.”

    I asked him if he had any update on injuries to Braxton Leeth and Liam Putman.

    “Yeah, I mean we didn’t want them to take any more extra hits, so we pulled them a bit early. They are our bellcows and we wanted to get them a little bit of extra rest. Nothing to really worry about.”

    Prayers for them.

    A group of Crestview Knights football players and coaches gathered on the field, discussing strategies during a night game.

    The Crestview Knights (1-1) take on rival Wayne Trace Raiders (0-2) next Friday night, at 7:00 PM (EST) at Wayne Trace High School.

    – by Sean McKenize.

    Follow me on X (Twitter) @JoeAmerican6771.

    2 pictures courtesy of…..Richardson Photograpy.

    Stats courtesy of…..Chris Lutz.

  • Lady Knights with another tough test at home.

    Coach Gregory talking to the Crestview Lady Knights volleyball team during a timeout, with players in red jerseys huddled together on the court.

    Coach Gregory and the Lady Knights once again were back at The Ray with a tough matchup against the Coldwater Cavaliers. Whoever made the schedule, certainly made the home openers of the season tough, as Coldwater are the defending state champions.

    It was a nice turnout at The Ray, as over 100 Crestview and Coldwater students, parents, and fans showed up to cheer on the young ladies (by my hand count). It’s been a pleasant surprise to see how much the community supports all the Crestivew Knights athletic teams.

    Crestview got the first point of the game in a competitive first set, before falling 25-20.

    Crestview Lady Knights volleyball team preparing for a match with coaches and players on the court.

    The Lady Cavaliers got off to a fast start in the second set, forcing Crestview timeouts with the Lady Knights down 11-5 and 16-12. The Lady Knights had a small rally forcing Coldwater to take a timeout up 20-16.

    The Cavaliers rallied back, forcing Coach Gregory to use a timeout, down 23-16, before the Coldwater won the second set 25-19.

    Once again, the Lady Cavaliers started the third set fast, jumping out to a dominate 20-9 lead. The Lady Knights stormed back, scoring six of the next eight points, forcing a Coldwater timeout, up 22-15.

    A volleyball player in a red jersey prepares to serve in a match, with a crowd of spectators in the background.

    It was just not to be again on this night, as the Lady Knights would fall 25-18, losing the match in straight sets.

    The Lady Knights were led by senior Lillie Best who went 9/10 serving with 2 aces, as well as 7 kills.

    Freshmen Nora Perkins got a lot of playing time, and played well, going 9/9 on serves and had 7 assists.

    Junior Kaci Gregory led the team with a whooping 16 digs. She was diving and flying around all over the floor. It’s fun to watch her play.

    Senior Haley McCoy had 4 kills and 2 blocks.

    Senior Emily Lichtle had 12 assists and is the most vocal player on the floor, so far this season.

    Volleyball teams Crestview Lady Knights and Coldwater Cavaliers shaking hands after the match in a gymnasium.

    Crestview JV Lady Knights fell in straight set as well (25-11 and 25-20).

    The Lady Knights (1-2) travel north on US-49 to take on the Antwerp Archers (1-5) on Thursday afternoon. JV kicks it all off at 5:30 PM at the Antwerp high school gym.

    Coach Gregory was unavailable for a post-match interview.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats courtesy of……Crestview Head Coach Tammy Gregory.

  • Crestview Knights Varsity and JV Football Wrap-Up.

    Crestview Knights varsity football team posing for a group photo on the field after a game at night.

    The Crestview Knights varsity team started the 2025 high school football season against rival Parkway, with a big 62-41 to beat the Panthers for the 5th straight season.

    From the opening drive, it was the Braxton Leeth show in Rockford, Ohio.

    The 6’0″, 185 lbs HB/DB, ran by, ran around, and ran through, the Panthers defense, for new school records of 408 yards rushing and scored 7 touchdowns.

    Crestview Knights football player running with the ball during a game, showcasing determination and skill, while a defender falls behind.

    He continues to display the power to break through arms tackles, and the speed to take it to the house from anywhere on the field.

    I spoke to Knights Varsity Head Coach Cole Harting today.

    “Defensively we missed some tackles, so we gotta clean that up. We had a few penalties, which isn’t too bad for a first game. We got some things to work on in practice and get ready for next week.”

    A group of cheerleaders from the Crestview Knights team, posing together in their blue and red uniforms with smiles, on the sidelines of a football game.

    The Knights (1-0) varsity football team will play the 4-time defending state champion Marion Local Flyers (1-0), at home, next Friday night at 7:00 PM.

    On Saturday morning, the Crestview Knights JV team hosted the Parkway Panthers.

    The Panthers started the game on offense. The Knights got a big sack on the third play of the game, forcing a punt. Crestview offense stalled out, after long completion from quarterback #9 Cooper Miller to wide receiver #11 Logan Matson.

    Knights TE/DL #84 Beckham Putman would put Crestview on the board first, with a scoop and score fumble recovery (2 pt attempt failed).

    Crestview Knights football scoreboard showing Knights 6, Guest 0, with 2:50 left in the third quarter.

    The Knights struggled in the first quarter with penalties. They had three offsides calls against them, including one that gave the Panthers a first down.

    In the second quarter, the Knights would get back on the board when an bad snap sailed high. RB/LB #25 Noah Mosier would scoop and score, for the defense to get their second touchdown of the half. (The 2 pt attempt would be successful), to make it a 14-0 game. Crestview would take that lead into halftime.

    Crestview Knights football scoreboard showing the score 14-0, with 9:51 remaining in the third quarter.

    The Knights would start the second half on offense HB/LB #32 Trenton Osborn slashed and gashed his way to a big run on the first play. On fourth down the Knights would commit another penalty. Illegal motion on 4th and 8. Parkway would get the stop on the next play.

    Knights QB #9 Cooper Miller was shaken up on a big hit the following drive and would be done for the rest of the game.

    Parkway would finally get on the scoreboard with a touchdown pass (2 pt attempt failed), to make it a 14-6 game in the 3rd quarter.

    Crestview Knights football game scoreboard showing Knights 14, Guest 6 with 7:40 left in the second quarter.

    In the fourth quarter, the Knights would attempt a fake punt on a fourth down, which the Panthers snuffed out easily.

    The Knights would force a fumble (I missed the number), on a fourth down attempt by Parkway.

    Crestview would finish the scoring for the day, with a trick play touchdown. Knights HB/LB Noah Mosier would score again. Breaking a tackle and taking it the house (2 pt attempt successful), making it a 22-6 game.

    Scoreboard displaying Crestview Knights 22, Guest 6 at the end of a football game, with details of down, yards to go, and quarter.

    It was a sloppy game by the Knights. They struggled with penalties, and QB Cooper Miller threw 2 interceptions before leaving the game with injury.

    The Knights JV team (1-0) will travel down 49-S to take on the Fort Recovery Indians (unknown at press time), next Saturday morning at 10:00 AM.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    First 3 photos courtesy of…..Wyatt Photograhy.

    Number information courtesy of…..Crestview head coach Cole Hardesty media packet.