New England Knights

 CONNECTICUT'S PREMIER MINOR LEAGUE FOOTBALL TEAM  

 

Nights Win 25-12

The New England Knights defeated the Florida Kings 25-12 to win their 5th North/South Bowl National Title in the last 6 years. The Knights were led by runningback Nick Susko who ran for a game high 247yds, scored 3 TDs and was named Game MVP.  

Game Recap:

Homestead Florida: The Knights, who had used 4 different QBs during the regular season were dealt a blow when designated starter Derrick Reynolds was unable to make the trip to Florida with the team. Tony Lingard was tapped to substitute but the Knights passing game was going to be limited. Knowing the passing game would be tough several players were moved out of their positions on defense to offense. Nick Susko moved from DE to RB, Amtwaine Dommers moved from LB to RB and Greg Edwards moved from DT to OL. "We knew the Kings would be a very fast and athletic team so we went with a big backfield and  Greg Edwards at the TE  that really gave us an extra linemen and tried to power the running game" said coach Volpe. The combination paidoff from the outset as the the Knights blasted down the field behind their big line and the 314lb Dommers. Nick Sucko and John Chisholm who also ran for over 100yds on the day racked up the yards with Susko taking it in for the games 1st TD. Tom Cottiero added the kick to make it 7-0. At the end of the 1st qtr the Knights again added a TD as Susko took it in from 24yds out to make it 13-0. Midway through the 2nd qtr Susko scored his 3rd TD from 18yds out to bring the score to 19-0. The Knights defense continued to try and keep the Kings Speed in check . "I could not have asked the defense to play any better, we moved 2 of their starters to offense and they did not lose a beat. Dommers actually played some defense and Harvey Hawkins played well as Suskos DE replacement" said Volpe. As the 2nd Qtr was winding down Lingard guided the Team down to the Kings 27yd line but his pass meant for WR Jeff Cupe was under thrown and the Kings returned it for a TD to make the game 19-6 at the half. The second half started with the Kings looking to buid off the momentum they had built just before half. After a Knights turnover gave the Kings the ball in Knights territory the defense tried to make a stand and pushed the Kings to a 4th and 12 from the Knights 31. On the next play the Kings connected on a pass in the corner of the endzone. Their 2 point try failed making the game 19-12 with 11 mins to go in the 3rd qtr. With The Knights holding onto a 6 point lead they drove to the kings 31 but Cottiero's kick sailed right and the score remained at 19-12. The Knights D again came up big and the score remained the same entering the 4th qtr. The Knights again drove into Kings territory but Lingard suffered a leg injury forcing the Knights to go to Aldon Christian. Christain, who had not taken a snap all year, stepped in and the Knights pounded the ball on the ground to the Kings 1inch line. On the next play the Knights scored a TD only to have it nulified by a holding penalty. To add insult to injury the Knights were then called for a sideline violation to move the ball out beyound the 30yd line.  After several runs brought the ball to the Kings 17yd line the stage was set for the play of the night. Christian took the snap and handed the ball to Chisholm who began to run right, as he was being tackeled he pitched the ball back to OG Dan Parker who the pitched it to Christian who then took it in for the score. " I'd like to say we drew it up that way but it was just players making plays when they had to" said Christian. The score made it 25-12 and the Knights defense finished the job as the closed down the Kings to seal the win. When asked about the game Volpe said this: "We knew the Kings were a well coached explosive team and we had a major challenge ahead of us but the players responded and made plays when we needed them and in a huge emotional game like this that is what wins it for you". Lingard finished 1for 5 for 5yds and 2ints, Susko added 247yd and 3tds, Chisholm had 115yds and Dommers had 61yds. The defense had 5 players in double digit tackles with EJ Lewis leading the way with 12 tackles and 5 sacks. 

 

 

ESPN Radio's CT Coach of the Decade Poll:

Greg Volpe (New England Knights)   35%

Paul Assaiante (Trinity Squash)   2%

Geno Auriemma (Uconn Womens Basketball)   40%

Jim Calhoun (Uconn Mens Basketball)   21%

Jack Cochran (New London HS Football)   2%

 

 

 

                                                      

 

 TRYOUTS FOR THE 2010 SEASON START NOW!

Contact the Knights: neknights@comcast.net

 

 

*TRIANGLE Sports Management*

Triangle Sports Management(T.S.M.)announces exclusive Connecticut agreement with the New England Knights to represent players in all professional aspects. "We research every state independently and the Knights were by far the best fit for us" said CEO Gabe Levinson. By becomming a member of the Knights each player will have full access to T.S.M's 3 tiered approach, professional/legal/fitness. For more info checkout T.S.M's link above.

 

 

Don't Miss the Action. Listen to Knights broadcasts !

 http://www.audiosportsonline.net/NEKnights/Broadcast2008.htm