By: Rich Bontrager

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The 0-2 Frederica Knights Football team took to the road for the first time this season to face 0-1 the Lanier County Bulldogs. This was the third non-region game for the Knights and the first time these two teams have ever met.

The Knights came into the matchup short-handed as starting Quarterback Jaylin Simpson, wide receiver Jashawn Sheffield, cornerback Avery Cobb, and several others were out after last week’s intense loss to Valwood. The Knights would have to rely on their underclass and a few key players to carry the load.

The field was wet due to a brief rain shower prior to the start of the game. Regardless of the challenges, the Knights scored nine unanswered points in the first quarter, a field goal plus a 4O yard TD run by senior running back Isaiah Jackson.

During the second quarter, the scoring improved by both teams. The Bulldogs would go deep and score off of Brockington’s (QB) throw to Sirman (WR). The extra point was no good and Frederica maintained a 9-6 advantage. Moments later, Isaiah would score his second of four touchdowns as he returned yet another kickoff, running 80-yards up the middle.

Jackson would gain over 220 yards rushing off of more than 20 carries in the game. At halftime, starting QB Denver Anthony snuck into the end zone on a 1-yard sneak.

The Lanier Bulldogs got back into the game after their defense recovered a Knight’s fumble.

Their offense scored, making it 21-12. The Bulldogs then added another 2-yard TD pass

making it a 21-18 game late in the third quarter.

Jackson helped put the Knights back on top with his third TD run. This time Brock kicked the extra point and the Knights were up 28-18.

The heat, humidity and tough plays by Frederica’s defense began to affect the Bulldogs as they abandoned their running game and threw pass after pass. The Bulldogs had to make that adjustment after Patrick Brunson (Sr) ran back a 55-yard punt making it 34-18. The extra point was good and the Knights expanded their lead to 35-18 at the end of the third quarter.

Lanier County would score again in the 4th quarter. However, Isaiah Jackson responded with another TD run.

Junior transfer, Denver Anthony (5’8, 180 Ibs), had an excellent start for a second week in a row as the QB to lead Frederica. The Bulldog fans saw hope as they scored again on a long 55-yard pass from Brockington to Baker.

The Knights added two more rushing touchdowns by Harry Veal (10 and 8 yards). The Knights scored one more time in the fourth quarter to seal the victory as Kyle Perez (So., RB) ran for a 30-yard touchdown, making the final score 60-40.

Perez’s scores highlighted how coach Brandon Derrick, of Frederica, used every player

possible at just the right moment to secure the win. This strategy was evidenced, as well, by

the extra point kicked through the uprights by young Logan Bower, #99.

Lanier County falls to 0-2, while the Knight now stand at 1-2.

Next week the Knights are back at home to face Bethlehem Christian Academy. These two teams have not met since the first round of the 2016 season. The game will begin at 7:30