By: Rich Bontrager

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

What was billed “David vs. Goliath” game turned into an “Ali vs. Frazer” type blow-by-blow experience under the Oaks at Frederica Academy Friday night before a record crowd.

In Friday’s home opener Frederica welcomed Charlton County, a class A school, that brought with it almost double the 30 players that make up the entire Knights 2018 roster. Yet, with the numbers not in their favor, the Knights made a valiant effort in the 28-21 loss.

The first quarter got off to a slow start after a 30-minute lightning delay. However, the energy level and output of both teams jumped into high gear when JT Elliott of Frederica picked off a Raykwon Anderson’s pass attempt.

Eventually, that quarter would end 0-7 in favor of the Indians as they scored off of a broken play, 55-yard pass connection between Anderson and Seaquon Clark.

During the second quarter, each team’s defense showed their strength as it was a seesaw battle back and forth, with little movement. Finally, with 5:02 left to go before half-time, the Knights scored off of a 1-yard touchdown run by Senior QB Jaylin Simpson. The extra point was no good and the half-time clock ran down with Knights down 6-7 to the Indians.

The second half exploded with three consecutive touchdown scores off of three kickoff returns in a span of less than a minute and a half. First, Frederica’s Patrick Brunson (Sr) ran back a 95-yarder making it 14 -7. Charlton Country retaliated with an 80-yard return by Clark.

Senior running back and kick returner Isaiah Jackson then ran back yet another 85-yard kick-off return -the game up at 21 all. Which would be the score at the end of the third

quarter.

The fourth quarter resembled a heavyweight boxing match as each team exhibited signs of physical and emotional exhaustion as they gave their all in the intense heat and humidity.

Most of the fourth quarter featured each team’s defense standing firm. Finally, with under 3 minutes left in the game, Randy Nelson of Charlton County picked off a Knights pass and returned it for a TD.

After the epic battle, head Coach Brandon Derrick commented, “This game was intended to be a test and I believe my team passed it. We proved we can play at this level, and hold our own.”

Another take away from Coach Derrick was that “We stayed mentally tough in spite of a couple of turnovers.”

Next week the Knights will play at home again and face Valwood, the team that eliminated Frederica from advancing to the state championship game in Mercer last season.

Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. and, much like this game, it’s expected to be another battle of attrition.