By: Alex Mathis

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Knights traveled to Edmund Burke Academy to attempt to wrap up its second consecutive region championship.

Coming off of a tough and emotional win against Bulloch Academy last week, Frederica turned their focus to a determined EBA team. The Knights beat EBA 34-7 last year, but this is not the same EBA team from last year and Coach Derrick stressed that to his team throughout the week.

Frederica would start off slow this week just as they did last week against Bulloch.

Frederica’s offense saw their first two drives end in punts. John Mitchell Brock did an excellent job helping flip the field position for the Knights.

Early on, Frederica’s defense struggled with the option offense of Edmund Burke. It’s all about eye discipline and assignment football when facing an offense like this. Edmund Burke was able to find success early on running the ball.

Frederica was finally able to move the ball on their 3rd drive. It started with a long pass from Jaylin Simpson to Jashawn Sheffield to the 4-yard line. Rett Thompson was able to punch it in from there.

A botched snap on the extra point attempt made the score 7-6, EBA. EBA would tack on one more score before the half. Their QB was able to break outside containment and make some nifty moves to score. At the half the score was 14-6, EBA.

The second half started off a little rocky for Frederica. The opening second half kickoff was a pooch kick that ended up in the hands of an EBA defender.

The Spartans scored on their next drive making the score 21-6. The Knights were able to tack on two more scores.

Jaylin Simpson connected with Jashawn Sheffield for a long touchdown, and then Jaylin Simpson scored the next touchdown but the Knights failed to convert the two point conversion.

Frederica got the ball back one more time with 4 seconds left in the game. Jaylin’s pass came up short and the Knights dropped their first region game of the season, 21-19.

Frederica will now play the waiting game for second consecutive year. Last year, the Knights needed Pinewood to help them win the region championship.

This year it will be the Trinity Christian Crusaders. If the Crusaders beat the Spartans, the Knights will be the region champs. If EBA wins, the Knights will be the number 2 seed going into the playoffs.

Frederica will have their work cut out for them in round 1. Their first-round matchup will not be like the first-round matchup of last year.

No matter the seeding, the Knights will face a pretty good opponent in the first round. Coach Derrick’s message to his team was a simple one. “Prepare each week like you’re the Alabama Crimson Tide. We are going to get everyone’s best shot.”

The Knights must take advantage of the bye week next week. The injured and the sick get a week to heal up. The Frederica will also have a week to work on the small things before their first-round matchup.

Frederica finished the regular season 5-3. Two of those losses coming against (out of conference) Parklane Academy and Wesleyan School. The Knights have been tested this year. Now it is time to see if those tests will pay off in the playoffs.