Knights ready to charge for title

    The Aroostook Football League is underway, as the local Cleary Law Knights have played two games for a 1-1 record.
Houlton Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
HIGH FIVE – Quinn Harris, left, and Brandon McGuire high five after Harris scored a touchdown during an August scrimmage against the Huskies. Harris and McGuire are among the leaders for the Knights this season. On Saturday, the Knights will take on the defending Aroostook League champion Madawaska Mustangs in Caribou.
    In their first game, the Knights fell to host Milo, 26-19.
    “We had opportunities to win, but couldn’t cash in,” said Knights Head Coach Brian  Reynolds. “We beat ourselves.”
    Last week, the Knights held a 31-7 second-quarter lead over Caribou, who forfeited the rest of the game.
    On Saturday, the Knights were scheduled to play a home game against Madawaska, however, the game will not be played in Houlton. Instead, it will be in Caribou.
    “It’s a huge game between the defending League champs in an early season showdown for first in our division,” said Reynolds. “This game could have playoff implications.”
     Despite being a young squad, the Knights do have several returning key players.
    “They are fired up after coming so close to the League championship last year,” said Knights Assistant Coach Richard Cleary.
    In the championship game a year ago, the Knights lost to Madawaska in double overtime.
    The Knights’ goal this season is to win back the AFL title. They are 3-1 in playoff appearances, including playing in two championship games in two years.
    To help the Knights accomplish their goal, seasoned players such as Brandon McGuire, Chris Steeves,  Justin Ramsey, Eddie Flint, Jesse DaEira, John Smith, Phil Brown, Caleb Black and Quinn Harris will have to step up into leadership roles.
    “Quinn, who was an eighth grade quarterback last year, returns and is more mature and shows true leadership skills,” said Cleary.
    Houlton’s McGuire and Woodstock’s Steeves are both seniors with football experience, and according to Cleary, both are key players for the Knights.
    “Justin worked hard in the off season and is looking to lead the team,” said Cleary.
    Others who will be crucial contributors are Ben Hopewell and John Silliboy, who both return to the team from the 2006 championship squad.
    With the Knights laden with experience coupled with their toughness and quickness, they may prove tough to beat, if they can tweak their offensive line.
    “Our defense is as fierce and stingy as ever,” Cleary said. “But, we need more big guys to play offensive line to give our players in the backfield time to develop the plays that will lead to scoring drives. We need our offense to begin to work as a cohesive unit.”
    In the preseason Jamboree on August 30, the Knights didn’t give up any points to their opponents.
    Although winning a championship is the ultimate goal, Reynolds and Cleary are trying to impress other principles onto their players.
    “We want  to teach our players the value of responsibility and showing up for practices on time and ready to practice,” explained Cleary. “We want them to understand the value of teamwork, of goal setting and that their actions have consequences on and off the field. We are putting more emphasis this year on conduct and academics. They are representatives of the League and need to be good role models.”
    The coaches are dealing with an increase in the number of players this season, as well. They have a full varsity squad, along with a full junior varsity team, called the Squires.
    “Some kids have come through the Southern Aroostook-Woodstock (SAW) program, while others have come because their friends are involved in football,” explained Cleary. “Others have also moved to the area and have played football in the past.”
    Darrell Hanning, Kyle Kramer, Jessie Willigar and Brian Tuttle, along with several other newcomers, will make their mark on the program.
    “They have show enthusiasm and willingness to learn,” said Cleary. “That has inspired newcomers and veterans alike.”