Knights undefeated; title game Oct. 31

    Knight coach Richard Cleary loves hard-hitting football. He got his wish Saturday night at Bob Ruth Field. The Knights played a physical game and beat Caribou 51-21. Coach Cleary was especially impressed with the play of junior fullback/linebacker Jesse DaEira, who played the game of his life.
    DaEira seemed to be everywhere. On offense, he made a block that sprung Tim Chase for a 75-yard opening kickoff return for the first Knight touchdown. DaEira carried for two touchdowns. He then led the blocking for Caleb Black (154 yards) and Chris Taylor (130 yards), who both ran for two touchdowns.
Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
DRIVING – The Knights’ Caleb Black drives through for more yardage, as a Caribou defender wraps him up during last Saturday’s game at Community Park.
    Quarterback Taylor completed four passes – one for a touchdown. Kyle Kramer caught three – one which deserved an 11 o’clock film highlight. Chris Ruth managed to keep his feet in at the back of the end zone for a phenomenal athletic catch as he hauled in a six-pointer.
    “It was quite an exhibition” said Cleary.
    Much of the offensive credit went to head coach Brian Reynolds as his play calling confused the beleaguered Caribou defense.
    On the defensive side of the ball, the Knights adjusted to an aggressive Caribou pass strategy. Quinn Harris picked off one pass. DaEira also had an interception to kill a late-game rally. Justin Ramsey came up with a sack.
    DaEira, remember him? He led the team in tackles with seven and recovered a Caribou fumble.
    After the game, Reynolds said “Jesse [DaEira] was inspiring, but this was a solid win for all of our kids. They have accomplished a lot this year. I’m really proud of their effort. They deserve to be 6-0 and congratulated.”
    The Knights await the results of the Caribou/Madawaska contest next Saturday. They will face the winner for the Aroostook Football League championship on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 31, at Community Park. The public is invited to join in the pageantry of a high school football championship game.
Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
IMPRESSIVE – Jesse DaEira, left, carries the ball against Caribou last Saturday. He played an impressive game, running the ball for two touchdowns. He  was also instrumental on three more Knight touchdown plays, along with leading the team in tackles. The Knights will play for the Aroostook Football League title Saturday night, Oct. 31 at Community Park against the winner of Caribou/Madawaska.
Pee Wee Football
    On Friday, the Roadrunners and Bucks battled to an exciting 26-26 tie under the lights in Houlton. A big crowd of parents, relatives, friends and fans were thoroughly entertained by these young athletes.
    Casey McCarthy, Nate Lilley and Kyle Turner were just a few of the players who scored exciting touchdowns in a junior version of ‘Friday Night Lights’. Damon Reynolds, Joey Creagh, Nick Castillo and Jake Forrest played strong roles for their teams.
    Coaches Brian Forrest and Bill Creagh have worked tirelessly throughout the season with these future gridiron stars.
    Coach Creagh said, “It was truly amazing how far these kids have progressed.” Coach Forrest agreed and thanked the parents for their support.
    Coach Forrest was appreciative of all the work coach Reynolds put into preparing the field for the game.
    Knight’s coaches, Brian Reynolds and Andy Hay attended and were impressed with the skill level of the grade 3-6 players.
BIG PUSH – Justin Ramsay, No. 71 of the Houlton Knights, pushes through two Caribou blockers during last Saturday’s game at Community Park. The Knights crushed the Huskies, 51-21.
Booster club News
    Preparations are under way for the upcoming championship game. A successful effort on Saturday made all fans welcome with the concession stand selling souvenirs and serving hot beverages, hot dogs, pizza and whoopee pies. A big fund-raising 50/50 payout is expected.
    As always, volunteers are needed to make the football experience in the Shiretown a positive and entertaining one. Contact coach Reynolds or any of the Booster Club members.