The latest installment in the always-unpredictable series between the American Fork and Lone Peak football teams was a real stunner, as the Knights shut out the Cavemen 23-0 on their home field.

Lone Peak racked up 314 rushing yards while giving up just 145 total to American Fork, but they did that with some unintended help from the Cavemen.

American Fork received the ball to start the game and was moving the ball well, until it was fumbled and ended up in Lone Peak's hands.

The Knights proceeded to march right down the field, but were not able to get in despite having four downs to try it from the 8-yard line.

The Cavemen weren't as lucky the next time. Lone Peak's Levi Gifford intercepted a pass in the end zone, and three plays later, Quade Chappuis broke through the line for a 49-yard touchdown to get his team on the board.

That turned out to be the only score they needed. The Knights capitalized on a few more opportunities to add to the tally, including after an interception by Tanner Rasmussen.

Besides the turnovers, the Cavemen hurt themselves with penalties at inopportune times and lost a few players to injury during the contest as well. They just couldn't seem to put together anything offensively in the second half.

"They are playing a little hurt and banged up and we felt we could take advantage by trying to attack those weaker areas on the line with our run offense," said Lone Peak coach Tony McGeary.

"I also thought our play-action pass went very well in key situations, like when we needed to make a first down or do something to keep a drive going," he added.

"On the defensive side, I thought American Fork had improved offensively even from the film we watched," the coach went on. "We were successful in some of our schemes, but I have to give credit to their quarterback for being able to scramble so much."

The Knights made some adjustments at the half against the Cavemen's more effective plays, limiting A.F's efficiency from then on.

"Also, after we scored a few more points, it forced them to try to throw the ball down the field, and we did a decent job defending that," McGeary said.

"I have to credit the defensive staff for another shutout. It's our fourth this year," he said.

This was McGeary's first opportunity to play against his old team. He coached 11 years on the staff at American Fork before taking the head job at Lone Peak.

"It was great to go through the line and give coach Knight a handshake," McGeary said. "I have nothing but tremendous respect for him and their program. They showed great sportsmanship at the end of the game."

In a week shortened by the fall break, the Knights (2-1, 5-3) will play at Timpanogos (1-2, 3-4), while the Cavemen (1-2, 4-4) visit Pleasant Grove (3-0, 7-1).

Both contests are set to kick off Wednesday night at 7 p.m.