Knights tame Panthers for third win

    Shaking off the rust from a bye week, the Houlton Knights varsity football team traveled to Milo to face the Panthers. The Knights returned to work, winning their 10th consecutive game since last season and are now on top of the Aroostook Football League with a 3-0 record after defeating the Panthers, 68-0.
    Head coach Brian Reynolds spread the offense around as the Knights gathered up 338 yards rushing and 25 yards passing, garnering 10 touchdowns along the way.
    Tailback Caleb Black returned to old form with 121 yards on eight carries and two touchdowns. Aaron Eastman carried three times for 102 yards and two touchdowns — one a 70-yard scamper from the line of scrimmage. Fullback Mike Ring added two more scores, while quarterback Quinn Harris passed to Eddie Flint for a 25-yard touchdown to go with Flint’s other overland trot to the end zone. Hunter Hanning snuck the ball in from the nine-yard line and Sal Cloukey finished the Knights’ scoring bulling in from the 17.
    “The team did not have much intensity at the start of the game, but I think the defense got them going,” said Reynolds.
Contributed photograph
LINE OF SCRIMMAGE — The Houlton Junior Knights took on the Huskies at NMCC last Saturday. The Junior Knights defeated their hosts, 41-6.
    The defense posted its second straight shutout of the season. They allowed the Panthers only 34 total yards. The hard-hitting Knights came up with three fumble recoveries by Harris, Flint and Eastman. They also had one interception by Harris and a big sack by defensive end Josh Bragan.
    “Containment and our defensive scheme confused them,” said Reynolds.
    Indeed, pass coverage limited Milo to no receptions on nine attempts.
    “Coach John Smith’s linemen were aggressive and did a great job,” Reynolds added. “Our younger corps of players also contributed in this one. We needed this win to keep ahead of Caribou. Hopefully, we can stay healthy from here on out. Flanker Caleb McGary will be returning this week.”
    The Knights travel to Madawaska on Saturday to take on the Mustangs. The JVs will play after the varsity game.
    In other action, the junior Knights traveled to the NMCC fields in Presque Isle on Saturday to face the junior Huskies of Caribou.
    The junior Knights of Houlton defeated the Huskies, 41-6.
    Quarterback JJ Jones and Ryan Heath sparked the offense with four and two touchdowns, respectively. Sebastian Walton caught three passes for 89 yards.
    The defense was led by Jones, Garry Tucker, along with twin brothers Tommy and Tyler Hannigan and the supporting cast of the junior Knights. The defense forced a Caribou safety.
    “The team is improving weekly,” said coach Hank Milligan. “Every player is contributing. They have shown good sportsmanship and a total team mentality.”
    The junior Knights return to Presque Isle on Saturday to play the junior Huskies in a rematch.