Knights showcase preseason strengths

    CARIBOU — The Houlton Knights Football team invaded Caribou’s Sincock Field with a large entourage of fans from the Shiretown for the 6th annual Jamboree. A brilliant sun and excellent field conditions insured the starved gridiron faithful would have a daylong feast of football.
    The Houlton Knights did not disappoint.
    Behind the strong arm and intelligent play call of veteran senior captain quarterback Quinn Harris and a staunch defense, the Knights varsity and junior varsity squads took on all comers in a 21 touchdowns to 5 deluge — pre-hurricane fashion.
    The format was a two-quarter round robin against the much improved Caribou Huskies and Madawaska Mustangs of the Aroostook Football League.
Staff Photo/Jon Gulliver
OFF AND RUNNING — Rookie tailback Izaak Ramos, left, of the Houlton Knights runs for a big gain against Caribou in Saturday’s Football Jamboree. In the background is quarterback Ryan Heath.
    Knights head coach Brian Reynolds had concerns going into the Jamboree. His team is revamped from the 2010 campaign. No matter, the Knights picked up from their earlier successes and continued to exhibit Reynolds’ highly charged offense and stingy defensive philosophy.
    “I was relatively happy with some of the things we did today.” said Reynolds. “Other areas are still a work in progress. The Caribou team is much improved and I give Stu (Wyckoff, coach of the Caribou Huskies) a lot of credit for that improvement. Madawaska has been hurt by injuries, but I think they will be competitive as players return.”
    The Knights displayed firepower with a supporting cast of co-captains Aaron Eastman, Dan Toby and Josh Bragan, along with Hunter Hanning, Jesse DaEira, Bill Livzey, Caleb McGary, Don DeVoe, Joel Redman, Jon Ramsey, Sam St. John, Mitch Vargas, John Tuttle and Axel Keber. Especially impressive on this day was Josh Carmichael with some defensive gems worthy of ESPN highlight reels.
    The Knight’s future looks bright with freshmen Jake Drew and J.J. Jones.
    “Second year cornerback speedster Cyrus Brooker is improving greatly,” added co-coach Andy Hay. “We have speed, depth and quickness at all positions this year. Rookies Ryan Baptiste, Izaak Ramos, Jordan Russell, Gavin Russell, Ryan Heath, Caleb Murdoch, Dakota Gramour and Devin McLaughlin will give Coach Reynolds plenty to smile about. Our rookie line is anchored by Sebastian Walton, Kyle Ramsey, Nick Hagan and center Brandon Suitter.”
Staff photo/Jon Gulliver
IN FOR SIX — Knights fullback Cyrus Brooker bulls his way into the end zone for a score against Caribou in Saturday’s Football Jamboree.
    Co-coach Bill Alderson reprised his 2009 role helping the staff with defensive strategies. Alderson is head coach with the Junior High Knights, but took time away from his busy schedule to travel to Caribou for the Jamboree.
    “Seemed like old times with Hay and Alderson,” he said.
    The regular season begins on Saturday as the Knights travel to the Bangor area to play an 11-man team  — the BCH ‘Red’ Knights.
    Reynolds concluded his thoughts on Saturday by saying, “This upcoming game will be a real test of what this team is made.”