Carrickfergus Knights 18-7 DCU Saints

Venue: ALSAA.

The Knights rode out from the Castle on Sunday, the first day of spring, bringing a road trip to ALSAA, Dublin, where the DCU Saints lay in wait to kickoff the Carrickfergus Knights' 2008 campaign.

Carrick won the coin toss but chose to take the ball in the second half, leaving DCU to open the game in attack.

Veteran, Spencer McDowell, #90, lead a tenacious D that shook the Saints ground game all day and put enough pressure on their passing to hold the DCU offence scoreless. While player/coach Mark Harris, #59 and the linebacker crew punished the DCU runners, Darren Montgomery #76 and the D line harassed the Saint's Quarterback, getting to him for 2 sacks and forcing 5 interceptions, 4 of which were claimed by Defensive M.V.P. (Most Valuable Player), #86 Paul Mckillop.

On the other side of the ball things also started well for the Knights. QB, Adam Devenney #14, commanded scoring drives in both opening quarters, completing passes to four different receivers and throwing for a score to #21 Ian McIlroy on the first play of the second period. Rookie wide out, Cairan Murphy #83, had 2 catches on the drive, one a 48 yard pass and run taking the ball inside the 5 yard line and setting up the Touchdown.

#51, center Gareth Millar and his offensive line buddies not only did well giving Devenney time to throw the ball, they also blasted holes open for #34, rookie running back Callum Morrow, to dance his way to 105 yards on 26 carries with 2 touchdown's, earning Offensive M.V.P. Honours on his senior debut.

At halftime the Knights were up 12-0 but had lost their starting quarterback to injury. Devenney exited the game completing 6 of 7 passes, for 69 yards and a touchdown. Andrew Crawford #85, already nursing an ankle injury, came on to replace Devenney and guide the Knight's to win their season opener.

With #34 Morrow's second touchdown run on the board in the fourth quarter, making it 18-0, the Saint's did manage to score on the ensuing kickoff return. However, this proved to be too little too late and the Knights' stingy defense smothered any chance of a late comeback, getting their offense back in control of the ball, where they then ran out the clock.

Carrick's next game is at home, Woodburn Playing Fields, on Sunday 6th April, where they take on the Dublin Rhinos.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2pm. All are welcome.

By Knights Reporter.