Robinson Knights Clinch Playoff Spot with Win over Lakewood

"We're still the quietest...7-1 team in town," said head coach Mike DePue.

The Robinson Knights (7-1, 6-1 Class 5A District 8) fell off everyone's radar after a Sept. 16 loss to the Jesuit Tigers. Since then, Robinson won five games in a row and cemented their presence in the 2011 playoffs.

And they could get another shot at Jesuit.

If the Knights get past their regional quarterfinal, and so does Jesuit, the two teams will meet again in the regional semifinals.

Robinson took care of business against the Lakewood Spartans (7-2, 6-2) in a must-win atmosphere; their playoff lives at stake.

"The game had playoff-level intensity," said DePue.

The Knights were trailing 13-7 after the first half but answered the bell in the second half, shutting out the Spartans and pounding in two touchdowns.

"We lined up in power "I" and just ran it down their throats," said DePue. "I credit my coaching staff and players; we prepared like champions for that game."

DePue admitted that there was a certain level of relief at clinching a playoff spot.

"But we've gotta get right back at it again. We still have Middleton left and Plant will be a great game in preparation for the playoffs," said DePue.

Despite being a young team, the Knights continue to improve and might just be a whole lot better than they were when they last faced Jesuit.

"We were a young team when we started the season," said DePue. "We've turned into a veteran team."

The Knights will play at Middleton High School at 7 p.m. on Nov. 4.