By: Alex Mathis

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Knights traveled to Bellville, Ga to take on the Pinewood Patriots.

This is traditionally a huge game between the two teams. Last year’s Frederica won the matchup 30-17. Two years ago, Pinewood came away with the victory with a score of 41-6.

This was one of Brandon Derricks worst losses at Frederica. Coach Derrick challenged his team before the game by telling that he had never won on this field and that this game would be a statement game for GISA.

The Knights defense help set the tempo early. A couple of bone jarring hits by Harry Veal help shut the Patriots down on their first offensive series.

Frederica’s first offensive possession saw the Knights methodically move the ball down the field. The Knights got good runs from Rett Thompson, Jaylin Simpson, Isaiah Jackson. Isaiah capped off the drive with a 30-yard touchdown run to give the Knights their first touchdown of the night.

The Knight offense would struggle for the rest of the half. Penalties would cause the Knights to work from behind the sticks early in the possessions. Senior kicker and punter John Mitchell Brock did a great job flipping the field for the Knights.

The defense would continue to smother the Patriot offense. The Patriot offense struggled to pass the ball and also run it.

Every pass they attemped they saw Knights defenders smothering their receivers. Last week the secondary struggled against the pass, but a lot of emphasis was placed on stopping the air attack of Pinewood.

Defensive coordinator, Ben Burkett, got the most out of his defense on Friday. No one would believe how much they struggled during the week but they manage to turn it around and shut the passing game of the Patriots down for the night.

Brandon Derrick’s message to the offense at the half was a fiery one. The message was simple, “Get it together!” The offense did just that. The Knights offense came out of the locker room and dominated. Santana Clark had 3 great runs on jet sweeps that helped move the ball down the field.

Jashawn Sheffield, Isaiah Jackson, and Jaylin Simpson would all had great runs to help the Knights offense put points on the board.

Jaylin Simpson was also able to connect on a few passes down the field. He found Santana Clark and Jashawn Sheffield for big passes down the field.

I would be completely wrong if I didn’t give the offensive and defensive lines credit. What was thought to be a rebuilding year for the trenches, has turned out to be a bright spot for the Knights. The offensive line, led by Matthew Hagstrom, Tyler Pierce, Carson Bradley, and Mason Neubauer, helped open up running lanes all night.

The defensive line wreacked havoc all night as well. Cole Hinson, Tyler Pierce, and Cameron Gardner all helped minimize rushing attempts from the Patriots. This may be the best defensive front in GISA.
The Knights finished off the Patriots with a score of 29-0. Brandon Derrick was able to gain the 50th win of his career on a field he has never won on before. The Knights are right where they want to be at this point in the season. 2-0 in the region.

Next week is homecoming for the Knights. They face a familiar foe, Bulloch Academy.

This will be a big one for the Knights. St. Simons Island will be rocking on Friday night.

Everyone knows this is a rivalry and it will be an intense and competitive game between the Knights and the Gators.

The Knights will look to take control of Region 2 and take a commanding 3-0 lead in the region.