BENSON - Playing like a desperate team with the faintest glimmer of hope for a possible playoff spot, West Johnston forced three Knightdale turnovers, held on several key defensive stands deep in their own territory and did just enough offensively. All of those factors allowed the Wildcats to come away with a much-needed Greater Neuse 4-A Conference victory against winless Knightdale Friday night.

The game proved to be as competitive as any game between two teams sporting a combined record of 2-14 could be, with West prevailing 13-12. The win kept the Wildcats' playoff hopes alive and contributed another notch in the loss column for Knightdale.

"They have got to be the best team in the state without a win," said West Johnston coach Bennett Jones of the 0-9 Knights. "They're big and strong up front, but our guys just kept working and came up with some big plays. Our defense was outstanding tonight."

Knightdale's Ira Tripp intercepted the first of his two picks on West's first possession, setting up the Knight offense with a great scoring opportunity early in the first quarter. Knightdale covered the 30 yards in a hurry and looked to have a sure six when Terrence Davis broke through the line at the 6-yard line. Davis was met with a picture perfect tackle by West's Kameron Knight that jarred the ball loose. The ball was recovered in the end-zone by West Johnston for a touchback and the first of many big hits on the night.

Another interception by Tripp early in the second quarter left the Knights knocking at the door again with a first down at the West 33-yard line. Yet another stalwart defensive effort by the Wildcats turned the ball over on downs and left Knightdale frustrated and shut out for the half.

"They took advantage of our mistakes. We didn't take advantage of theirs." Knightdale coach Kamelio Johnson said.

"We just have to keep getting better, keep our heads up and keep working to try and get that win."

West Johnston (3-6 overall) scored the only touchdown of the first half after Angelo King picked off a Ben Bolling pass with 2:22 left in the second quarter. Patrick Crocker hit Dashawn Ray with a 16-yard pass over the middle that Ray carried into the end zone with 23 seconds remaining.

Knightdale controlled the ball for an astounding seven minutes and 14 seconds to start the second half and finally drew blood with Terrence Davis dive straight up the gut for four yards and pay dirt. The snap on the point after was low and the Knights never got the kick off and trailed 7-6.

West gave the ball right back to the surging Knights who took less than two minutes to drive the length of the field before scoring on a Bolling-to-Aaron Smith floater for 33 yards and the 12-7 lead. The third quarter clock expired as the Knight's two-point conversion came up just short of the goal line.

West Johnston had tried to establish the running game with C.J. Frederick all night but had moderate success.

However, a well orchestrated and balanced attack led to big gains for West on the ensuing drive. Pounding Frederick for 26 attempts in the game had the Knightdale defense expecting another run from him on second and goal from the Knightdale eight.

The toss to Frederick did come but, everyone in the stadium was shocked, especially the Knights, as Frederick pulled up and tossed an option pass to a wide open Tyrone Davis in the end zone for a 13-12 lead.

Knightdale had more than six minutes to work with to try and regain the lead but, their last three possessions were unceremoniously ended with; a high snap over the Knightdale punter's head, a lost fumble and a game clinching interception by West's Trey Shirley.

"We had a chance to fold, a chance to quit, but these kids never quit." Jones said. "They made changes and we adjusted. Our offense still isn't there yet but our defense really stepped up tonight. Every game is a playoff game for us now."

West will have a true challenge for its defense next week when they travel to Smithfield-Selma and try to contain Spartan running back, Josh Snead.

When asked about Snead, Jones replied, "I don't think you really can stop him. You just have to hope he doesn't break off too many big ones."

The Wildcats will then meet defending conference champion Southeast Raleigh in its regular-season finale a week later.

Knightdale will seek to end its season-long losing streak at Clayton Friday and then at East Wake for their season finale on Nov. 6.