The Houlton Junior Knights youth football team came back with convincing wins to finish their season.
On Oct. 19, the Junior Knights overtook Millinocket, 38-12, and last Sunday, Oct. 27, they overpowered Washington Academy, 56-0.
The Junior Knights had previously lost to the Caribou Huskies on Oct. 12.
“The Millinocket game was much closer than the score would indicate,” said coach Bill Alderson.
The game was 15-12 at halftime, with the Junior Knights’ defense coming alive in the second half, playing shut out ball to close the Minutemen down completely.
According to Alderson, the Junior Knights played “inspired ball” on Sunday against Washington Academy.
“All systems were working,” Alderson added.
The Junior Knights took the lead on their first offensive play with a handoff from quarterback Dalton Wilde to Dan McNally for the score. Providing the blocking for McNally were teammates Brendon Graham, Jon Carmichael and Morgan Phillips.
“Washington Academy is in a building mode and made the trip to Houlton knowing full well they would be outsized and out numbered, but stood their ground to the end,” said Alderson. “We tried to take our foot off the gas, but our reserve players kept intercepting their passes and picking up loose balls.
“The Academy team is a class act,” he added. “I noticed an Academy player grab a shirt, pulling it off the pads and making a tackle. The Academy player bent down put the collar back over the pads and helped our player up. They shook hands. That is what youth football is all about. That kind of thing went on all game.”
Assistant coach Mark Chapman added, “Our team has been blessed with good kids.”
Father-and-son assistants, Vernon and Josh Upton, noted they liked the play of Lucas Winslow, Isiah Bouchard, Justin Tuck, Owen Lafond and Brandon Walters this season.
“We will send over a dozen ready to play to the high school team,” said Alderson. “We wish all Houlton area sports a good season.”
