By: Jeff Doke

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Coming off of an “unscheduled bye week” compliments of Hurricane Hermine, the Frederica Knights found themselves undefeated, well-rested, and injury free going into week 5 of their 2016 campaign.

“We’re at 100% right now” said Head Coach Brandon Derrick earlier in the week. The Knights needed to be at 100% for this week’s opponent; defending GISA state champions Valwood High.

The Knights had fallen twice before to the Valiants, 40-7 in their first meeting in 2014 and an injury and mistake filled 36-7 loss last year.

Third time was the charm, however, as the Knights went into Hahira, GA and defeated the defending champs 24-13.

“They’re a great program, the kind of program we’re trying to build (at Frederica), and for us to be able to come in on their homecoming weekend and beat them at home, this was big” said Coach Derrick after the game.

Early in the game, it looked like this game might just be like the previous two matchups. Frederica started the game with a 3 and out series, then facing 3rd & 15 on the Frederica 45-yard line, Valwood struck first with crossing pattern across the middle for a touchdown.

John Mitchell Brock got the Knights on the board with a 35-yard field goal, and the first quarter ended with Valwood in the lead 7-3.

So far this year, the Knights have seemed to hit their stride in the second quarter, and this week was no different.

Sophomore phenom Jashawn Sheffield put up two touchdowns; one on a wide open goal line pass from fellow sophomore QB Gaven WIlliams, and the other on an electrifying 55-yard interception return.

Runnning Back Rett Thompson scored on a 3-yard touchdown run, and the half ended with Frederica in the lead 24-7.

The second quarter wasn’t just an offensive showcase. The Knights defense showed a very aggressive defense as well coming up with a total of four first half turnovers.

In addition to Sheffield’s pick six, Sophomore WR/QB/DB Jaylin Simpson added a second interception, and Patrick Brunson & Lachlan Woodhad a fumble recovery apiece.

“We knew the turnover battle was going to be key and the special teams had to be special for us to be in this game” said Coach Derrick. “Our kids did exactly what we game planned for.”

Going into the game, this matchup was seen as a “David & Goliath” matchup on multiple levels. In addition to the seemingly one-sided history of the rivalry, Valwood was seen as the bigger team, both in numbers and size. Sporting a roster in excess of 40 players, the defensive front of the Valiants boasted three players over 265 lbs.

In the second half, Valwood adjusted, bringing in more speed at the cost of size, and the tempo of the game slowed down considerably.

Frederica Quarterback, Gaven Williams went from “gunslinger” mode into game manager, and he did so with ease.

Although the second half was scoreless for Frederica, Williams was able to keep the offense on the field a large portion of the second half and Frederica came out with the win by a final of 24-13.

“Gaven executed very well tonight, didn’t try to force anything, took what they gave us, and avoided pressure very well” said Coach Derrick. “We executed when we needed to. It may not have been pretty, but we put ourselves in the position to win.”

This week, the Knights are back home facing Memorial Day School out of Savannah. Memorial Day was 0-2-1 going into their week four matchup against Oceanside Academy (results unavailable at press time).

Coach Derrick says this game will be a “real slobber knocker,” since despite their record, there are a lot of great athletes on their team.

“This is going to be a very physical game up front. They’re going to be very athletic and a very good football team, but we’re becoming a very good team as well.”