Match report: The future is bright as Knights youth start unbeaten
Northants Knights Youth team made their BAFA league debut as they travelled to Leicester to take on the seasoned veterans of Leicester Falcons and Bedford Blackhawks, as well as fellow newbies Rugby Rhinos.
After only being formed mere months ago, and having to battle with a global pandemic, the Knights made the trip with 10 fully fit players to take part in the 5v5 variation of the sport.
Game one: Knights 14-6 Rugby Rhinos
Game one saw the Knights take on Rugby Rhinos in what would be both teams first taste of full contact football. It was a defensive battle early on with both offenses finding their feet but the Knights broke the deadlock when quarterback Ben Godfrey found Dom Woody deep down the field for the Knights first ever touchdown.
Rugby would get a touchdown of their own before the Knights defense started to take the game over. Defensive lineman Josh Toms was wreaking havoc and caused multiple turnovers for the Knights to take the advantage.
It was running back Jayden Lewis who then went 35 yards breaking multiple tackles on the way to find the end zone, with the two point conversion successful the game finished Knights 14-6 Rhinos.
Game MVP: Shawn Colgan
Game two: Knights 28-13 Leicester Falcons
After a brief break, the Knights then took on the home team of Leicester Falcons. Just as the weather turned bad, it seemed like it was going to turn bad for the Knights as Leicester found themselves up 7-0 early on.
However, as the sun started to break through so did the Knights. The rushing attack of Northants soon found its rhythm and running backs Freddie Duke and Shawn Colgan began to rip apart the Falcons defense. It was Colgan who found the end zone with back to back touchdowns.
Defensive back Antwone Hunt was delivering big hits all over the field and it was his interception that he returned to the house that added to the score. The Falcons got a score of their own but the final result saw Knights winning 28-13.
Game MVP: Antwone Hunt
Game three: Knights 12-6 Bedford Blackhawks
The third and final game came against tournament favourites, Bedford Blackhawks.
This was a back and forth game where both teams really struggled to get control. It was the Knights rushing attack that paid off in the end and Shawn Colgan found the endzone twice more.
The Blackhawks got a score of their own and made it a close game but the Knights came away with a 12-6 win and to finish 3-0-0 in their very first tournament.
Game MVP: Josh Toms
“They did everything I asked of them and more”
Here's what head coach Matt Godfrey said after the memorable gameday.
"Friday night going into Saturday was a restless night for me, knowing none of my guys had played contact football before. Being new to 5v5, there were a lot of unknown quantities.
"However I was so proud to see the players take to the field and show they had what it takes to play football.
"I’m not going to lie the first win was an emotional one as not only was it our first win but it was my son's first ever football game.
"There is always room for improvement and we are going to try and make a few adjustments before next Saturday. We picked up a few injuries and a number of players played the full game both ways in the last game. They did everything I asked of them and more.
"I have never known a youth team like it in terms of commitment when I hear players doing their own walkthroughs to learn the playbook on a park in their own time. I feel privileged to coach such a fantastic bunch."
JOIN THE KNIGHTS ACADEMY
We’re always on the look-out for new players to start their American Football journey with us by joining the Knights Academy.
If you’re aged 13 or older and want to try a fun, new sport then get in touch with us.
We’re a friendly, welcoming team and no experience of the sport is needed - just a good attitude and a gum shield!
