Black Friday In The Ville: Knights Play In 21st Regional Title Game

ROBBINSVILLE — The Western Regional Final on Friday night brings together two teams with very different histories but one shared goal: a trip to the 1A state championship. Robbinsville is making its 21st regional championship appearance, carrying a 13–7 record in these games. South Davidson, meanwhile, is experiencing one of the most successful seasons in its program’s history and enters with an offense that has caused problems for opponents throughout the bracket.

Robbinsville: Experienced, Balanced, and Physical

The Black Knights have relied on a consistent mix of efficiency and toughness this season. Quarterback Luke Lovin has guided an offense that doesn’t ask for explosive passing numbers but values ball security, field position, and timely completions. His ability to run and throw gives Robbinsville flexibility when they shift into option looks or bootleg packages.

In the backfield, Isiac Collins and Kyzik Teesateskie form the core of Robbinsville’s ground attack. Collins provides the straight-ahead power, while Teesateskie gives the offense perimeter speed and the ability to stretch the field horizontally. Both are capable of carrying a heavy load, and both play critical roles defensively as well.

Sophomore Cameron Allison has emerged as the top receiving threat, especially in play-action situations where Robbinsville looks to exploit safeties who cheat up. Rylen Waldroup anchors the defense with consistent tackling, and John Dominguez adds pressure on the interior line. Benton Gibby has become a reliable rotational piece who contributes through all 3 phases of the game, giving the Knights important depth in high-leverage games.

What South Davidson Brings Offensively

South Davidson’s offense this season has leaned on a run-heavy identity with an emphasis on gap schemes and quarterback-led rushing. They aren’t a spread-it-out, throw-it-40-times type of team. Instead, they prefer:

Power and Counter concepts out of tight formations

QB run looks, especially on third down

Jet motion to force linebackers to move and create cutback lanes

Occasional play-action shots when defenses overcommit to the box

Their strength is staying ahead of the chains. They want 2nd-and-5, not 2nd-and-10. When they get their run game going early, they can shorten the game and control tempo.

This is where Robbinsville’s senior-heavy front seven will be tested. Collins and Waldroup will play major roles diagnosing the counter looks and forcing South Davidson into predictable passing situations.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Robbinsville’s Defensive Discipline vs. South Davidson’s Motion-Based Run Game
South Davidson uses pre-snap movement to create hesitation. If Robbinsville handles those eye-candy looks and maintains gap integrity, the Wildcats will have trouble sustaining drives.

2. The Black Knights’ Edge Running vs. South Davidson’s Contain Players
Teesateskie’s speed on the perimeter is a difference-maker. If he can get outside and force the Wildcats to widen their defense, Robbinsville’s inside game opens up.

3. Play-Action Opportunities
South Davidson often pulls their safeties down to handle the run. Allison and the Knights may find chances over the top if the Wildcats overcommit.

Experience vs. Momentum

Robbinsville enters with decades of postseason experience and a roster full of seniors who have played in high-pressure games before. South Davidson arrives with momentum, confidence, and an offensive style that can cause problems if allowed to dictate the pace.

Still, all signs point toward a Black Knight win on Black Friday if Robbinsville plays their game. Look for the Knights to pull away after a quarter or so of football and punch their ticket to the 1A State Title game.