Knights storm Caribou: Let the games begin

    Through the torrents of rain created by Hurricane Earl, the Houlton Knights varsity football team scored early and often last Saturday. The host Caribou Huskies had a difficult time holding the Knights at bay, as the Houlton squad won, 41-6.
    Although the Knights generated only 199 yards (187 rushing and 12 passing), the offense was dictated by the Knights’ defense which recovered three fumbles, had an interception, a safety and boxed the Huskies’ offense inside their end of the field all afternoon. With great field position, it doesn’t take long to figure out why the offense was so efficient. They didn’t have to travel far for a score.
    Houlton opened the scoring deluge with a 10-yard scamper by Eddie Flint in the first quarter. The floodgates were opened. Jesse DaEira bulled in from a yard, while Quinn Harris passed to Flint from the 12 and Harris scored from the 12. Flint scored again, with newcomer Mike Ring reaching pay dirt once. A few extra points and a forced safety by Josh Bragan and defensive company rounded out the onslaught.
    “The team responded well to adverse (weather) conditions,” said Brian Reynolds, head coach of the Knights. “Caleb (Black, who had 25 carries) was a real workhorse and attracted a lot of Caribou attention. (Jesse) DaEira blocked exceptionally well for our running attack. I guess they did not have an answer for the rest of our team.
    “We substituted junior varsity players in the game to get some experience,” added Reynolds. “They did well. This is a very close knit group. They are selfless … (it was) a true team effort.”
    The weather did not prohibit the fans from attendance. The game was well attended by Knight fans.
    The Knights travel to Kenduskeag on Saturday for a  6 p.m. showdown against the South Conference powerhouse BCH.
    The highlights from Saturday’s game against the Huskies include:
    Offense:
    Passing: Harris, 1-2-12 yards, one touchdown.
    Receiving: Flint, 1-12 yards, one touchdown.
    Rushing: Harris, 2-9, one touchdown; Eastman, 4-15; Black, 25-68; Flint, 12-59, two touchdowns; Ring, 9-28, one touchdown and DaEira, 2-8, one touchdown.
    Defense:
    Tackles: Flint, nine; Eastman, Morehead and Bragan, five each and Harris, four.
    Sacks: Eastman and Toby.
    Interception: Harris
    Fumble Recovery: Flint, Eastman and Toby.
    The junior varsity Knights displayed a strong offense and tough defense, as they downed the Huskies J.V. team, 53-6.
    Quarterback Hunter Hanning ran for two scores and threw three scoring strikes to Joey Gould (two) and Josh Carmichael. Joel Redman found the end zone two times with nifty runs, according to coach Andy Hay. Nathaniel Wiggin forced a fumble and recovered the ball in the Huskie end zone for a defensive touchdown. Sal Clukey forced a safety on a Huskie punt attempt, while Hanning and Bill Livezey added three points after a touchdown to round out the scoring.
    Coach Hay credits much of the team’s success to John Smith, line coach.
    “The kids really respect coach Smith and have learned a lot about themselves and their new found football abilities,” he said. “Head coach Brian Reynolds will inherit quite a legacy from this J.V. roster.”
    The coaches wish to thank Leisa and Don DeVoe for their many hours of invaluable help.