JEFFERSON TWP — Greensburg Salem's blitz packages forced Knoch coach Mike King to watch his football team undergo what he refers to as on-the-job training.

The Knights had minus-4 yards of total offense following the first quarter of their 23-0 Greater Allegheny Conference win over the Golden Lions Friday night at Knoch Stadium.

“They had a lot of good blitzes,” King said. “You can't simulate that in practice. You have to learn on the job and we did tonight.”

Knoch made some adjustments to its blocking scheme, which allowed the Knights to move the ball and break up what was a scoreless game at halftime.

Senior defensive lineman Brennan McTighe hopes the experience will lead to a different type in the future.

“I think next week we want to focus on starting fast,” McTighe said. “Getting up in the first half, rather than being tied and having to get up for the second half.”

McTighe and his fellow defenders made sure Greensburg Salem's offense didn't fare much better.

The Golden Lions, who were limited to 46 yards in Week 1, finished with 150 against the Knights.

Greensburg Salem quarterback Alec Shaw was intercepted twice and sacked by McTighe for a safety in the fourth quarter.

“I was hoping we were going to score,” McTighe said. “I had confidence in our defense we were going to shut them out.”

Ben Lowery halted a Golden Lions' drive before halftime by snagging a Shaw pass in the end zone.

Combined with a Greensburg Salem drive that stalled to open the third quarter, the Golden Lions couldn't grab the momentum.

“I really think that first drive of the second half, if we find a way to punch it in and get momentum in our direction it changes the outcome,” Greensburg Salem coach Dave Keefer said. “Or even score right there before the half. Those two drives were big for us.”

Knoch (1-1, 1-1) took advantage in the third quarter.

When the Golden Lions (0-2, 0-2) first drive stalled on downs, the Knights matched 65 yards in seven plays.

Mac Christy, who led the team with 66 yards rushing on 10 carries, scored on a 20-yard run to put Knoch up 7-0 with 2 minutes, 47 seconds left in the third.

“We made a few adjustments on the offensive line and picked up the blitzing linebackers,” Christy said. “Then we were fine.”

Christy set up Knoch's second touchdown by intercepting Shaw in the fourth and returning the ball four yards to the Golden Lions 4-yard line.

Jake Herrit then scored on a 4-yard run.

Christy also caught a 28-yard pass from Herrit with 1:21 remaining to close the scoring.

“Mac had a breakout game,” King said. “I think there was a little something pent up there and he wanted to do something to show that.”

Knoch was happy to get some work experience. The Knights hope to apply that on future jobs.

“We came from a tough loss last week and worked our tails off and it paid off tonight,” Christy said.