By: Rich Bontrager

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Frederica Academy Knights kicked off the second half of the season with a bang as they entered region play.

Friday night the Knights traveled to Bellville, GA to play the Pinewood Christian Patriots.

For the first time all season, the Knights would receive the opening kickoff and start on offense.

Jaylin Simpson (Sr) would start at QB for the first time since his injury in the second game of the season.

Denver Anthony (QB) reportedly had a minor injury to his throwing arm and was used primarily as a running back and receiver throughout the game.

With the Knights coming off a bye week, the team was back at full strength with several other injured players back in the line up as well.

Frederica’s offense would go “no-huddle” and uptempo most of the night and frustrated Pinewood to no end.

The Knights would score twice in the first quarter, three times in the second and lead 32-0 at halftime.

Scoring highlights in the first-half included an impressive 33-yard rushing touchdown by Isaiah Jackson (RB), and Denver Anthony running in both a 7 yard and 22 yard TD.

“I think our offense really ran things well most of the night,” said Coach Brandon Derrick. “I was very pleased that we kept our pace all night.”

By half-time, the Patriots had only gained close to 50-yards in total offense, as the Knights defense swarmed to the ball and made it tough for Mic Wasson (Fr, QB) to have any time to set up well in the pocket and throw the ball.

It was a rough Homecoming game for the Patriot fans to watch as the offense fumbled the ball, threw an interception and had no offense until the second half.

The second half was on a running clock and saw many line up changes for the Frederica Knights.

JT Elliot and Thomas Veal both saw action at QB before Simpson was put back in to seal the victory.

With the change in lineup, the Knights defense gave up two TD’s to Pinewood and to two 2-point conversions to avoid a shutout.

The Knights would tack on one more score when Avery Cobb rushed down the near side of the field and scored on a 52-yard rushing play.

The score was made possible by a big surge of the Knight’s offensive line. A line produced big holes and great passing protection all night long.

“The kids played extremely well, and yet we gave two scores that cost us the shutout,” commented Coach Derrick. “Right now, it’s just the small details that we need to focus in on and tighten up on. But overall we are looking great for a big finish.”

The Knights now stand at 4-2 after getting the 39-16 win and spoiling another team’s Homecoming celebration.

Next week, Frederica will celebrate their Homecoming and host Westfield School on Saint Simons Island.