Knights’ season begins with annual Jamboree

Reynolds’  takes 2011 edition on the road
    The Houlton Knights football team begins a new season on Saturday, Aug. 27th at Sincock Field in Caribou. They will face perennial rivals Madawaska Mustangs and the Caribou Huskies for the sixth annual Football Jamboree. The Jamboree is a round robin competition in a shortened two-quarter format.
    Reynolds lost seven veterans due to graduation. His team has won back-to-back League championships in 2009 and 2010. Their success on the field has been remarkable as they own a 15-game winning streak.
    Reynolds said, “We lost seven great athletes, but have a solid core of veterans who are returning.”
    Senior captains Quinn Harris, Josh Bragan, Aaron Eastman and Dan Toby will certainly add a good deal of stability to this team.
    “We have a large group of underclassmen on the team and I think that some will be able to step into important roles.” Reynolds continued.
    The Knights regular season begins in historic fashion as they travel to the Bangor area to play in the first 11-man game by a Houlton team since 1951.
    “It’s been a long time coming. Our kids have worked hard in the preseason.” said Assistant Coach Andy Hay.
    “The team will test its ability to compete in this format twice this season. We’re hoping to have the team recognized with varsity status at the  high school as a logical conclusion to our program,” said Reynolds.
    The Houlton Knights are sponsored by the Houlton Football Association.
    The Association is responsible for logistics, equipment procurement and fundraising. The players’ families pay a fee which helps defray costs.