Continuing their undefeated ways from last year, the Houlton Junior High Knights opened the season in Madawaska scoring on the first play of scrimmage and not looking back, as they defeated the Mustangs, 45-0.
“The defense stood up to every determined effort by Madawaska, who played hard every snap and never gave any indication of giving up,” said coach Bill Alderson.
Alderson noted the game was a “win-win” situation, as everyone on the Knights had the opportunity to play.
“Playing time is not easy to manage,” he said, whose team is strong in numbers, with 15 coming back from last year and 12 new players added this season.
With such a large number of players, Alderson is supported by fellow coaches, Mark Chapman, Josh Upton, who plays varsity football for Houlton and a Knight graduate, along with his father, Vernon; coach Andy Hay of the Houlton Shiretown football squad; Quinn Harris, former Houlton Knights quarterback and now peewee coach; and of course, Brian Reynolds, head coach of the Houlton High School football team, who Alderson said, “is never far away.”
The junior high Knights dress seven players who are over 200 pounds, but in shape to play all day, noted Alderson, as well as very fast backs; above average quarterbacks and “above all, complete unity,” Alderson added.
Dalton Wilde, Nate Mooers, Zach Maglette, Cody Condon, Dan McNally, with help from Damon Reynolds, Brendon Graham, Jon Carmichael, Mike Millet, Cameron Shaw and Zach Hagan all added points in Saturday’s high-scoring affair.
The junior high Knights will be at home Saturday, 1 p.m. on the Foxcroft Road at the Maliseet Complex, against a very good Aroostook Huskies squad, winners last Saturday over Millinocket. There will be a second game immediately following the 1 p.m. contest that will feature players who did not participate in the opening game.
“Please come and see the boys play and realize what a wonderful group of young boys we have now and for the future destiny of Houlton High School Shires varsity,” said Alderson, “as well as [building] pride by supporting the local team.”
