HAMPTON TWP — Knoch hadn't scored a point against Hampton in three years.

The Knights put a quick end to that, defeating the Talbots 21-7 in high school football Friday night.

The punt snap on Hampton's first drive of the game sailed over the punter's head. Knoch defensive end John Zellhart corralled punter Daniel Kruper at the 10-yard line. He spun him around and the ball flew out. Defensive end Kurtis Schachner grabbed it in mid-air and trotted into the end zone.

Knoch utilized the tough inside running of Tim McNerney to build a 21-0 halftime lead. The second half was more competitive, but Knoch grabbed the victory.

McNerney had rushed for at least 190 yards in each of his three previous starts. Hampton's defense limited him to 151 yards on 33 carries, but that was small consolation.

McNerney scored twice in the first half as Knoch built its lead. He continued to gain five yards a pop in the second half to cement the win.

Hampton running back Zach Smith was effective, running for 81 yards on 15 carries and an early fourth-quarter touchdown.

Knoch's defense didn't put lots of pressure on quarterback Jeff Cully, concentrating more on pass coverage. Cully was able to complete only 7 of 19 passes for 91 yards.

The Knights' Zach Gross didn't throw for big yardage, but he avoided interceptions and made critical pass plays when needed. He completed 8 of 11 passes for 93 yards.

Knoch strong safety Kyle Reiser almost had a second-quarter interception, but teammate Brandon Flick was on the play as well and the impact knocked the ball incomplete.

Reiser made up for it in the second half. Hampton drove to the Knoch 29 on its first second-half possession when Reiser stepped in front of a pass and ended the drive with an interception.

Penalties haunted the Talbots all night. Their offense got moving in the second half, giving them hope of a comeback. But every time they made a good play, the yard markers marched backwards.

"Mistakes killed us tonight," Hampton coach Greg Mihalik said. "You can't do those things and win."

On its last drive of the first half, Hampton lined up in the shotgun. It was supposed to be a direct snap to a running back, but the snap went awry. Knoch's Tyler Krahe recovered the fumble to end the drive.

Knoch was also plagued by second-half penalties. Coach Mike King was not happy with his team's second-half performance.

"I would've liked to win this thing 31-0," he said. "You can't relax just because you have a big lead. Our execution in the second half was not good."

The win over Hampton (1-4, 0-2) puts Knoch (4-1, 3-0) one step closer to its first Greater Allegheny Conference championship in 14 years.