Defense critical key to Knights playoff win over Huskies

    For the second straight year, the Cleary Law Knights of Houlton will vie for the Aroostook Football League (AFL) title after defeating the Caribou Huskies 13-6 at Sincock Field in Caribou on Saturday.
    On Oct. 20, the Huskies had beaten the Knights, 43-6, but the Knights were back in full force last week with all their starters in the lineup, and the outcome much different.
Houlton Pioneer Times file photo
DEFENSE – Defense will be the name of the game for the Cleary Law Knights on Saturday when they face the Valley Mustangs for the Aroostook Football League title. The Knights captured the crown a year ago, but the Mustangs have taken two games in overtime from the Houlton team. In the photo above, John Sanders and Phil Brown wrap up a Mustang player during an earlier season game in Madawaska.     The Knights, who are no strangers to adversity this season, found the weather to be challenging as a steady, hammering rain coupled with gusting winds kept the temperature in the cool 40s.
    “Last year’s Knights were a foul weather team,” said Knights assistant coach Richard Cleary, “and this year’s team seems to want to be known as one, as well.”  
    The Knights won the coin toss, but elected to defer until the second half, giving the Huskies the ball on offense.  
    “Our defense sent a strong message on the very first play and certainly on the first series of downs,” said Joe Ewings, Knights assistant coach.  “They stifled the Huskies and John Sanders was in on key tackles right out of the gate.”
    The Huskies were forced to punt and on the first offensive play of the game for the Knights, running back David Flint hit pay dirt — on one carry, he rushed 55 yards for a touchdown. Brandon McGuire then converted the extra point and just like that, the Knights were up 7-0. That play would prove to be all the scoring the Knights would need.
    The Huskies took over on offense, and not to be outdone scored a touchdown on their second drive. The Knights defense stiffened and prevented the Huskies from converting the extra point.
    In the second quarter, both teams had drives and traded possessions without scoring. The football, as a result of the weather conditions, became extremely slippery and both teams had trouble handling the ball.      For the Knights, Quinn Harris alertly fell on a Flint fumble to continue their offensive drive. In the ensuing play, coach Brian Reynolds called an option play, using Flint at quarterback and McGuire at halfback.
    The play swept right and with the Huskies defenders closing, Flint optioned the ball to McGuire, who initially handled the ball, then fumbled. Two defenders missed McGuire, who recovered the fumble, shook off a tackler and sprinted 43 yards for a touchdown.  
    “We haven’t had the ball bounce our way that much this season, but Brandon [McGuire] did not give up on the play and really made something out of a play that could have been disastrous,” said Reynolds.
    The Knights failed to convert the extra point and led 13-6 at intermission.
    During the second half, the Knights defense tightened up and created havoc for the Huskies, spearheaded by four sacks by Sanders.
    “He is not a big guy, but he is fast and hits the opposing quarterbacks like a ton of bricks,” coach Cleary said. “He’s really found his niche on the defensive line and other teams have to game plan for his presence.”   
    Ryan Pickle also had a sack and Jesse DaEira, McGuire and Phil Brown contributed with key tackles.  John Smith and Harris played defensive backs and broke up any passes that the harried Huskies’ quarterback managed to get away in the face of the Knights defensive line.
    However, the Knights’ biggest defensive stop of the game came in the final quarter with the Huskies driving toward the end zone. Flint, playing as middle linebacker, hit the Huskies’ running back, causing a fumble, with the Knights recovering the ball.  
    The Knights’ offense played controlled ball, as they faced a second down with 15 yards to go with 1:04 left in the game. The Huskies stopped the Knights on both the second and third down. The Huskies were forced to use their remaining timeouts with fourth and long. The Huskies could not come up with a defensive stop, as the clock ran out ending their season.
    “The guys won this game for our seniors,” said coach Cleary.  “They had a player-only meeting Thursday night at the end of practice and I don’t know what was said, but I do know the seniors did not want to end their high school football careers today. They showed a lot of heart and leadership. I think that will carry over into the championship game.”
    The Knights will play the Valley Mustangs for the championship title at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Sincock Field in Caribou. To get to Sincock Field, turn left at the Caribou Motor Inn and continue straight looking for Sincock Street on the left —after the Big Cheese Pizza and before the Caribou Administration of Schools Building — the field is on the right.    
    This will be the third meeting between these squads, as Valley has swept the Knights during the regular season in two overtime games. It should be a classic matchup between two of the best in the AFL.
Houlton Pioneer Times file photo
KEY PLAYER – Dave Flint of Cleary Law Knights looks to be among the key players in Saturday’s game against Valley. The Knights are looking to defend their AFL title.
    Keys to Saturday’s game will be a ‘no let up’ defense after our offense scores.
    “It seems we go ahead, and then give up a quick score to put us back in a dog fight. Defense, defense and defense along with ball control on offense will be critical. The third thing will be making sure everyone is healthy and ready to go,” said Cleary.