Knights roundtable …

COMING THROUGH – Jesse DaEira pushes his way past defense during last year’s game. Last season, the Knights went undefeated and won their second AFL championship. Knights coach Brian Reynolds is anxious for this season to begin, since it looks as if the Knights will suit up 40 players. On June 9, a mandatory candidate meeting will be held at Cleary Law Office.
More than 100 sign up for football in area
    Head football coach, Brian Reynolds is anxious for the 2010 to get underway. Sign-ups are wrapping up and the high school numbers look good with over 40 candidates on board. Last years’ team had 32 players, as the  Knights went undefeated and won their second AFL championship in four tries.
    On Wednesday, June 9, a varsity player candidate meeting will be held at the Cleary Law Offices in Market Square at 6 p.m. This meeting is mandatory and will address the upcoming June 11-12 footbal camp, sponsored by the National Football League. Any conflict in scheduling must be reported to coach Reynolds.
    Registration fees for 2010 are $150 per player. Physicals must be up to date, insurance and birth certificates, as well as parental authorizations, are required. No equipment is issued until the player personnel file is complete.
    A parent/player meeting will be scheduled in the near future in order to acquaint all in the Knight family with expectations and requirements for the upcoming season. Registration packets must be handed in at this time, and a season schedule will be given to all players.
    As mentioned, a football camp for all high-school-aged players will be held at Sincock Field in Caribou on Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12.  All interested players are to have insurance and liability forms turned in to Coach Reynolds before clinic day.
    Equipment day is Saturday, June 26, at Cleary Law Office from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and the first day of practice is tentatively scheduled for August 2, at the Maliseet field in Littleton.
Junior Knights
    The Junior Knights are being revived after a year hiatus. The team played previously in the Fredericton, N. B. youth program. “Last year the numbers were low,” said varsity assistant coach Andy Hay.
    This year, however, the junior Knights have recruited over 25 players from grades 7-8. Coach Reynolds is enthusiastic about the program. They will be playing in the AFL County league this year facing teams from Madawaska, Caribou and Presque Isle.
    A mini-camp will be scheduled for all junior high players and will be announced shortly. Further details about this program may be directed to the varsity coaches.
    All requirements for registration and player participation are the same as the high school varsity.
    Practices begin on August 2, at the Maliseet field. All questions may be directed to either Coach Reynolds or Hay.
    Team “Moms” and “Dads” are welcome.
Peewee Knights
    Coach Brian Forest of the “Black Knights” and Coach Bill Creagh of the “White Knights” are happy to announce a very successful recruitment with close to 40 players from grades 3-6. Fees for the program are $100. The aim of this program is to make the game fun in a safe environment. Competition takes a backseat to the more important role of learning good sportsmanship and team play.
    This will be the first time the Peewees will be initiated into league play in the County. The program has been successful for three years under the auspices of SAW Football. All games will be played in Houlton and Caribou.
    A mini-camp will be held at the Houlton Airport field on Saturday, June 12, and again on June 19, from 9-11 a.m. to demonstrate football fundamentals and instruct new players in the rules of football. Varsity coaches will observe and help.
    Coaches Forest and Creagh anticipate the season practices will begin the week of August 15. Equipment handout and details will be announced.
    Team “Moms” and “Dads” are welcome.
Fundraising
    On Thursday, June 3, the Maliseet Tribe will host a Bingo and donate its resources and facility to raise funds for the Knights, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Community Center. Food and beverages will be available.
    On Labor Day weekend, the Knights of various sizes and shapes will be soliciting donations outside area businesses.
    To aid in defrayment of player fees, a raffle will be held. Prizes will be announced in upcoming “Roundtable” articles.
    During the games, concession stands will provide food and beverages, as well as 50/50 raffles.
    The Knights organization is asking area businesses for donations. Any and all services, products or monetary contributions will aid in furthering the success of this youth program.
Booster Club news
    The unsung heroes of the program are the Booster Club. The Knight’s Booster Club is not only sponsored by parents, but all who have an interest in youth football in the area.
    Volunteers are needed to help in the concession stands, fundraising, video, announcing, half-time activities, reporting, field prep, keeping score, statistics and to aid coaches.
    The Booster Club is also active in recruiting assistant coaches and referees for the upcoming year.
    Last year, the Booster Club made the Knights’ home games a great success. “New ideas and new people are definitely an asset to the program.
    For more information, call Don or Leisa DeVoe at 227-3564, Coach Reynolds at 694-0092 or Coach Hay at 532-6547.