Houlton team to play under the lights Oct. 3
The coffee, hot chocolate, whoopee pies and pizza were a welcome respite from the cool windy weather at the “Airport” venue.
MAKING ROOM – Jesse DaEira of the Houlton Knights, left, makes some room to run with a hand to the face mask on a Milo blocker during last Saturday’s game against visiting Milo at the Houlton Airport field. The Knights had no trouble with the Wolf Pack, defeating them 61-28. Brian Reynolds’ football Knights played an unscheduled short notice non-league game against Milo after member Fredericton Gladiators were unable to play.
The Knights swamped the gritty undermanned Milo team 61-28. This was a statistician’s nightmare as the Knights (2-0 overall, 1-0 league) accrued 306 yards on the ground and 64 via the airways scoring 9 touchdowns while allowing only 135 total yards against the Milo squad.
From the initial onslaught – six straight possessions – the Knights were perfect finding the end zone, plus forcing a two-point safety.
Chris Taylor on the run
Coach Reynolds spread the offense around. Quinn Harris, Chris Ruth and Chris Taylor scored two touchdowns each, while Eddie Flint, Jesse DaEira and Caleb Black added one touchdown apiece.
Taylor, recently timed at a blazing 4.65 40, accumulated 118 yards on 10 carries and passed on a halfback option to Flint for a 57-yard strike. Ruth ran for 77 yards on nine carries from the quarterback position. Harris gained 55 yards on seven carries.
The windy conditions were definitely a factor in this contest. In passing the Knights were an efficient 2-for-3 accounting for eight points and 64 yards. Milo went 3-for-16.
Coach Reynolds said, “We ground it out against Milo,” and “with great blocking by our offensive line of Ramsey, Toby, Silliboy and Kramer our backs and ends were obviously very effective. Considering the game conditions I’ve always thought if it works, don’t fix it … and we didn’t.”
Reynolds added, “We lost a little focus and discipline in the second half, but regained it after a time out in the mid-third quarter. I talked to the team. We have to play all four quarters with intensity. We will definitely be working on that this week in practice.”
Defensive Coordinator Bill Alderson substituted freely as his veterans stymied the opposition’s running and passing game. Ruth and Taylor each had two picks.
HANG ON – Quinn Harris of the Knights gives a Milo player a piggy back ride, as the Milo player tries to bring Harris down.
Tackles and assists were evenly spread out between Harris, Tuttle, Ramsey, Silliboy, Morehead and the usual suspects Taylor, Ruth and Flint.
Many junior varsity players played against Milo in the varsity event. The junior Knights drew a bye last week and will resume their schedule following the varsity game in Caribou.
A huge debt of gratitude goes to the Knights’ Booster Club, team “moms” and support staff for providing the crowd with refreshments and team souvenirs.
“A lot of work goes into running this highly successful program. I want to thank them for all their hard work and effort,” said Reynolds.
The Knights go on the road against the Huskies on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 1 p.m. at Sincock Field in Caribou.
TACKLE – Caleb Black of the Knights wraps up a Milo player to stop his progress during last Saturday’s football game at the Airport Field in Houlton.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, under the lights in the Bob Ruth Field in Houlton, the Knights continue their quest for a high seed in the championship round against tough rival Madawaska. Youth teams start the afternoon by playing at 3 p.m., with the jv team playing at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity at 7 p.m.
