The visitors’ sideline at Eddie Lambert Field erupted in celebration as East Ridge junior King Knox found a crease provided by his offensive line and jetted through for a 10-yard gain.
The fourth-down conversion, part of a 138-yard rushing performance by the workhorse running back, sealed a 7-6 win over Brainerd on a rainy Saturday afternoon as the Pioneers remained unbeaten early in the season. Knox had a 17-yard touchdown run late in the first half for the game’s first points, and the Pioneers made the PAT kick that would prove to be vital.
East Ridge senior safety Marshon Usher had an interception — and did a celebratory backflip before heading to the postgame huddle — while junior Jordan Woods, sophomore Shelton Young and seniors Harry Strickland and Deangelo Bloodsaw provided big hits for a lockdown defense that has allowed a total of 12 points so far this season.
After winning just one game last year, the Pioneers are 3-0 for the first time since starting 5-0 in 2017.
“This 3-0 start feels good for all of us,” said Strickland, who provided stellar play at outside linebacker. “We are grinding every day at practice and have not taken anything lightly. We are proud that our dedication is being shown to the city. We have been working hard to restore pride to our football program and have taken a lot of accountability in the way we work.”