Knights lock up playoff spot by downing Morton

By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
Oct. 23, 2004
COLLINSVILLE West Lauderdale came away with more than just a win on Friday night.
The Knights clinched their second-straight winning season and assured themselves of a spot in the 3A playoffs with a 49-7 victory over Morton.
Dameon Baylor and Scott Truesdale each had 100-yard rushing performances to lead West Lauderdale's offensive attack. Baylor ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns, and Truesdale tallied 110 yards and a touchdown.
Baylor's first touchdown led off a 21-point first quarter for the Knights (6-3), who never trailed. Quarterback Austin Davis connected with Cory Williams for a 16-yard touchdown pass later in the quarter, and safety Michael Pogue returned an interception 16 yards for a touchdown for a 21-0 lead.
But Morton (4-5) got back in the game quickly. After Pogue's touchdown, Panthers kick returner Courtney Boyd brought back the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown and trimming West Lauderdale's advantage to 21-7.
And on the first play of the Knights' next possession, Morton linebacker Jamal Bennett came away with an interception, setting the Panthers up deep in Knights territory and threatening to come within one touchdown of the lead.
West Lauderdale's defense buckled down, though, stuffing Morton on four straight plays near the goal line. A few minutes later, the Knights seized momentum for good on a 26-yard touchdown run by Truesdale to take a 28-7 lead at the half.
The Knights never let up on Morton. Williams returned the Panthers' second half-opening kickoff for a touchdown and a 35-7 West Lauderdale lead, and midway through the third quarter, Baylor added his second touchdown on a 14-yard run.
Josh Hannible added the exclamation point early in the fourth quarter, giving West Lauderdale a 49-7 lead on a three-yard touchdown run.
The Knights close out the regular season on Friday at Carthage.