The Carolina Golden Knights semi-pro football team opened season play in the Southern American Football League with a home game Saturday night in Cranberry against the Carolina Crusaders. The Crusaders, a second-year club like the Knights, made the trip from
Fortunes turned sour for the Golden Knights on its opening series as the offense fumbled the football on its second play from scrimmage. The Crusaders recovered the ball at the Knights 40 yard line and wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. A scoring drive culminated in a three-yard fullback dive for a touchdown. A successful two-point conversion gave the visitors an early 8-0 lead with
On its ensuing series, the turnover bug bit the Knights again, as a hit forced another fumble which the Crusaders recovered deep in Golden Knight territory. A touchdown pass of seven yards gave the Crusaders a 14-0 lead.
On its third offensive series a third down pass from the Knights was intercepted by the Crusaders and returned to the Golden Knights 40-yard line. Before long the Crusaders had pulled away with its third score of the quarter, a 22-yard touchdown pass. A successful two-point conversion increased the Knights deficit to 22-0 after one quarter.
The Knights settled down and maintained possession of the football on its offensive drives in the second quarter, but was unable to advance the pigskin downfield. The team was forced into a pair of three-and-outs, while the Crusaders put together a sizable 59-yard scoring drive and a 67-yard scoring drive before halftime to open up a commanding 36-0 halftime advantage.
In the second half the Knights defense showed great pride. Playing with just 16 players total, the Knights dug deep to hold their ground, as they held the Crusaders to only six points for the final two stanzas. The Knights offense also began moving the football effectively. Early in the fourth quarter the Knights marched the football inside the Crusaders 20-yard line, but a field goal attempt sailed just wide of the right upright to quell the Knights’ best scoring opportunity for the night.
“The Crusaders were a very athletic team tonight, and we were out here playing for fun. We have a lot of guys who have a hard time making practices because of family and job obligations, but we’re continuing to work on getting better,” Knights head coach Mark Beach said after the game. “If we’re able to get together and practice together, it will make a big difference. We played much better in the second half and our offensive line is coming together, but we have to get better at being able to play more than just three or four series on offense which starts with practicing more and playing a little less backyard football.”
In addition to playing for the love of the game, the Knights are also working to help local people in the community who are in need. The team is working on putting together a football fund raiser with charity walk, and is also making plans for a charity motorcycle ride and cookout to benefit local children and groups. The team has also donated items to help local school groups raise funds for worthwhile projects.
“We’re glad to help people out in the community. We’ve donated a couple of motorcycle helmets and about $400 worth of items to
The Golden Knights are back in action this Saturday at
