It came down to two critical plays, neither of which would bode well for the Houlton Knights (4-1) as the host Lincoln County Eagles (5-0) downed the visitors 30-14 in drizzling conditions in Damariscotta on the seacoast.
Captains Quinn Harris, Aaron Eastman, Josh Bragan and Dan Toby met at midfield with their Eagle counterparts and game officials. The Knights won the toss. They elected to receive.
In the first quarter the Eagles struck first.
Both teams were well matched; both aggressive and physical. The Knights were within striking distance at the end of the first half down 14-6 thanks to a spectacular 55-yard runback by Knights’ freshman starter Jake Drew.
Aaron Eastman
The Eagles struck again in the third quarter upping the score to 22-6. The Knights roared back with an electric run by Bill Livezey returning a kickoff 73 yards into the end zone 10 seconds later moving the Knights closer to 22-14.
After a series of exchanges, the Eagle’s drive near the end zone ended in a controversial fumble which was recovered by Houlton, but was ruled by the official to have broken the goal line plane for an Eagle score.
“I was surprised by the call,” said Head Coach Brian Reynolds. “It appeared to me that the runner’s knee was down at the four-yard line. That was quite a stretch — 16 feet on a fumble. I think the game turned on that play. In fairness to the Eagles, they made some big plays all day.”
With the Knights threatening to score from the Eagle 12-yard line, an Eagle interception dashed the hopes of the Knights.
“It was uncharacteristic of us to make a turnover in the red zone,” said Coach Andy Hay. “They (Eagles) made a great play.”
Jacob Drew With the score 30-14 both teams battled on to the end.
“We didn’t know what to expect from Houlton. The football rumor mill around the state said Houlton was tough and disciplined,” said Eagle Head Coach Gary Gravel. “It was true. This was the hardest game we have ever played. They are well coached. We were glad to escape with a win.”
Hay added, “We probably lacked a little depth on the line at 11-man, but I’m very proud of our effort. The Eagles are a good team. They have a great staff. We were excited to play at such a competitive level.”
Eagle organization President Jane Oliver-Gravel praised the Knight organization saying, “The Knights team and staff displayed great sportsmanship and talent. It was a pleasure hosting the game. Their many fans were great. We would certainly love to make this an annual event.”
Reynolds said, “This was a great experience for the kids. They should all be proud of their efforts today. We now know what it takes to play at this level. We are a little banged up, but we hope to be ready for the next game.”
After a grueling early season roadstand, the Knights come home for the rest of the season with four, possibly five games, if they are able to get to the championship game.
On Saturday, the Knights host the Caribou Huskies at Community Park at 1 p.m. The public is invited to welcome the Knights home. Admission is free and concessions, raffles and Knights apparel and memorabilia will be available. 
Quinn Harris
