Golden Knights Continue Building Process as Team Hosts Catawba

On a warm and clear Saturday evening, the Carolina Golden Knights played host to the Catawba Hornets, a squad who has been part of the Semi-Pro football scene for many seasons and plays often in higher-level leagues above the current NSAFL league in which the Knights participate.

In the early going of the 2009 NSAFL season, the Knights have continued to overcome adversity. From player injuries, uniform and pad shortages that come with increased interest and roster numbers, from integrating exciting new players to soaring temperatures and grueling weather conditions, the Golden Knights continue to overcome obstacles and prove that, despite a 48-0 final score defeat at the end of Saturday’s game, the team is moving in the right direction.

The Hornets featured speed to burn and great athleticism, traits they displayed early and often in Saturday’s game. After a three-and-out from the Knights, Catawba struck on its first offensive play with a 65-yard reverse flea flicker pass for a touchdown. The Knights blocked the extra point to make the score 6-0 in the game’s first four minutes.

Carolina found the going difficult on the offensive end against Catawba, struggling to get first downs against a swarming Hornets defense. The Knights had difficulty finding the answer to the Hornets’ speed on the edges.

Catawba held a 14-0 advantage through one quarter and boosted its lead to 26-0 at intermission. The Hornets returned the second half kickoff for a touchdown which effectively sealed the contest.

During the second half, it became obvious that the Knights players were at par with the Hornets reserve players, as the second half proved to be a more competitive contest at the line of scrimmage. The Knights defense stiffened, making hard hits and forcing Catawba to have to drive the football downfield rather than use one big play to score as they had done earlier in the game.

Despite the outcome of the contest, Knights head coach Mark Beach continues to see improvement in the expansion Knights and is proud of the effort of his team.

“We’re doing better and am improving, and we just have to stick together. We have to stick together and have fun,” Coach Beach told his team in the huddle following the game. “Let’s keep working on getting better and we’ll be all right.”

Although the team is three games into its season, playing the Hornets was a large step up in competition for the club. “I played with these boys in the Newton-Conover and Hickory area,” Coach Beach said. “They were fast, and they like to play the game and have fun. They probably have two or three players who run in the low 4’s in the 40.”

Although Carolina is still seeking its first triumph of the season, the team believes in itself and the good home crowd who turned out on Saturday is behind its local squad.

“We’ve got great people, awesome specialty players, and we have a line that does great. It’s going to take time to build up this program. The Hornets have been together since I was four or five years old. When they lose someone they may gain five or six. They have a lot of kids who have the talent to play college or pro ball. But I think our whole group is doing what we need to do to continue to get better.”

With an influx of players, the team keeps working to secure assistance with equipment and other areas to help the team be the very best it can be.

“We can definitely use some help with some of our basic needs, like helmets, shoulder pads, and pants. Some folks may be hesitant to help out because they don’t think this thing’s gonna last. But we are going to make it last,” Coach Beach stated. “My wife has been a great help, and the coaches have been so generous to help with some equipment. Every small thing helps, and I hope those who can help us with meeting some of our needs can step up and do so.”

For more information on the Carolina Golden Knights, information about joining the Carolina Golden Knights as a player, or for more information on the team can contact head coach Mark Beach at 733-2397 or 828-217-3231. Fans can also check out the team website at www.leaguelineup.com/carolinagoldenknights or find the team’s link at the Avery Journal-Times Sports Blog site at www.ajtsports.blogspot.com.