Friday night, the Rockets came across the Steele Knights on the road looking to get the upper hand against their rivals who’ve dominated the overall series for the past several years.

In the first quarter, the Knights hustled to the Judson 11 yard line with a 37 yard reception by receiver CJ Williams from quarterback Cody Massey, but the Rocket defense held them to a 22 yard successful field goal. After a couple possessions, the Rockets forced a tie at three after Julon Williams scrambled and tip-toed along the sideline for a 27 yard gain capped off by a 19 yard field goal.

In the second quarter, Judson’s next possession was cut short with an interception by Steele’s Isaiah Fields returning it to the Judson 10 yard line. On the next play, Massey rolled out to complete a touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone to CJ Williams; score now 10-3.

The Rockets began to make it up with a 37 yard reception by Jay Miller to the Steele 36 yard line, but were forced to a turnover on downs in efforts to even the score at the 36 yard line. The Knights kept rolling with a 38 yard reception by Steele’s Williams, but the defense held them in the end zone forcing a 14 yard field goal. The Rocket defense kept the game in reach once again with a blocked 24 yard field goal; the score still 13-3.

In the third quarter, the Judson defense held the Knights to a 14 yard field goal; score at 16-3. In the late minutes of the quarter, the Rockets were stuffed back at third and 22 and Julon Williams was under pressure before he was pulled to his knees. He underhanded an 11 yard pass to Melvin Thompson, then on fourth and 11, Kevin Luster found a hole in the Steele defense with a 19 yard reception to move the chains.

The nerve racking drive finished with a nine yard rush by Judson’s Williams, making the score 9-16. In the last minute of the third, Sincere McCormick broke out for a 25 yard rush into Steele territory.

But in the fourth, the Rockets were denied the successful drive as they were forced a turnover on downs. Then, the Knights responded with a 55 yard touchdown reception as CJ WIlliams knee almost came to the ground off  a broken tackle. Later in the drive, Steele’s Caden Sterns took his interception for a pick-six, stretching the lead 30-9. In last minute efforts, Demarion Clark, backup quarterback, stepped in to complete a 30 yard pass to Luster, but Clark was picked off by Steele’s JT Woods, closing out the game 30-9.

Next week, the Rockets will go into the bye week looking to recuperate and continue their practice schedule as usual, and grow from this experience like they always do. They’ll be back at Rutledge Stadium to take on the East Central Hornets (1-4)  for the homecoming game on October 7.