Football Recap: Jamel Perry's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Knightdale over Franklinton + How To Watch

The Knightdale Knights were within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Friday as they fell 23-19 to the Franklinton Red Rams. The game marked the Knights' lowest-scoring contest so far this season.

Zayshaun Bennett

Receiving Yards

10/03/25 @ Franklinton	84
09/19/25 @ South Granville	84
09/05/25 vs Panther Creek	65
09/12/25 vs Sanderson	50
08/29/25 vs Enloe	49

Several Knights players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Jamel Perry, who threw for 261 yards and a pair of TDs while picking up 11.3 yards per attempt, and also rushed for 37 yards. Knightdale also got help from Zayshaun Bennett, who showed off his sure hands for 84 receiving yards.

Don't try to pin the team's loss on the defense: they kept the trenches locked down and allowed a mere 3.1 yards per carry. While two picked up at least two total tackles, Anyeus Miller stood above the rest. He rushed for 18 yards. Knightdale's ground attack was stronger, having averaged 4.4.

Franklinton's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jamaal Epps, who picked up 100 receiving yards and one touchdown, and also rushed for 32 yards. The bulk of those receiving yards came from one huge play: a catch that gained an incredible 60 yards. Alijah Durham was another key player, rushing for 84 yards and one score.

Knightdale's loss dropped their record down to 1-5. As for Franklinton, they pushed their record up to 5-1 with the victory, which was their third straight at home.

Coming up, Knightdale will welcome Vance County at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Knights are facing the Vipers at the right time seeing as the Vipers are stuck on a five-game losing streak. As for Franklinton, they will venture away from home to square off against Heritage at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Red Rams will be up against the Huskies' rather soft defense (which has allowed 31.17 points per matchup), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.