Royal hangs on to defeat Ellensburg in opener

Casey McCarthy/ Columbia Basin Herald Royal Quarterback Caleb Christenen powers forward as the Ellensburg defense collapse on him during the second half on Friday evening.

Casey McCarthy/ Columbia Basin Herald Royal's Cooper Christensen makes the grab in the endzone agains the Bulldogs. The touchdown was waived off, however, for offensive pass intereference.

Casey McCarthy/ Columbia Basin Herald Cooper Christensen goes up to make the grab in the second half against Ellensburg on Friday night.

Casey McCarthy/ Columbia Basin Herald Royal's Lorenzo Myrick collides with the Ellensburg defender. The Knights moved on to win the game 21-16.

Casey McCarthy/ Columbia Basin Herald Tyler Allred rushes forward for the Knights in the opening game of the season for Royal on Friday.

Casey McCarthy/ Columbia Basin Herald Royal wide receiver Cooper Christensen had a huge day to open the season for the Knights, with 187 yards and three TD's on seven catches.

Casey McCarthy/ Columbia Basin Herald Cooper Christensen runs in for his first touchdown of the day off the pass from Derek Bergeson on the opening drive for the Knights.

Casey McCarthy/ Columbia Basin Herald Lorenzo Myrick combines with another Royal defender to bring down the Ellensburg player in the first half on Friday.

Casey McCarthy/Sun Tribune Royal running back Lorenzo Myrick powers forward late in the fourth quarter against Ellensburg on Friday.

Casey McCarthy/Sun Tribune Royal’s Tyler Allred pulls down the interception in the second half as the Knights went on to win 21-16.

Casey McCarthy/ Columbia Basin Herald Royal wide receiver Cooper Christensen rushes to the edge after making the catch on Friday night.