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Knights With A "Never Say
Die" Attitude
The Brookline Knights 2006 8-Under team rang up an
incredible string of 11 victories in a row on their way to the SSYFL Divisional Championship.
Several of these victories were tough defensive struggles, and these Knights defenders were adept
at holding their opponents ball carriers without bail. The offense, led by running backs Taylor
Thornton, Loren Wicks and quarterback Joey Shulik, worked hard every game. They always
managed to find a way to get enough points on the scoreboard to emerge victorious.
This was never so true as in the Divisional Playoff
game against West Mifflin when, with time running out and down 6-0, the defense made a critical
stop, giving the offense one last chance to find the endzone. The "Never Say Die" Knights
pulled it together and gave Thornton the crease he needed to weave his way in for a score.
Shulik took the ball the final three yards for the conversion to propel the team to the
championship game.
The following week, against a tough Steel Valley
team, the NSD Knights did it again. Trailing 2-0 in the fourth quarter, the Thornton/Shulik
duo struck again, putting 8 points on the board and laying claim to their first SSYFL
title.
Brookline's youngest Knights headed to the SSYFL
Super Bowl with high expectations, but despite a valiant effort, fell prey to the
Carlynton Cougars, 14-6. It was a sad day for Coach Mike Manuel and our proud Knights.
But, with a Division Championship to their credit, these boys have a lot to be proud
of, and their "Never Say Die" attitude bodes well for the future of the Knights
football legacy.
For the season, Taylor Thornton led the Knights
offense in scoring with a total of 76 points, followed by Loren Wicks with 38 and Joey
Shulik with 32. Cody Cerminara chalked up 12 and Nick Manuel contributed eight. Matt
Tonkovich added six and Amaree Hatcher added his two cents. Shulik tossed one touchdown
pass to Cerminara.
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The 2006 Brookline Knights
8-Under team - SSYFL Conference Champions!
Chadric Anderson,
Corey Bogaski, Mason Bowers, Cody Cerminara, Nicholas Deanes,
Dylan DiRenna, Ronnie Dunlap, Christopher Elstner, Christian Frazier,
Tyler Gettings, Matt Haskins, Amaree Hatcher, Luke Jacobs, Austin Liebro,
Dalton Link, Nick Manuel, Tyler McSuley, Michael Naccarelli, Ian Newman,
Aaron Owens, Damon Reft, Mark Roell, Quentin Rudy, Cole Salicce, Morgan Samuels,
Joey Shulik, Kenny Stalowski, Kevin Stover, Taylor Thornton, Matthew Tonkovich,
Adam Tonry, James Vensel, Jr., Zachary Wagner, Lucas Wentzel and Loren Wicks.
Coaches are Mike Manuel, Carl Roell, Darrell Frazier, Joe Tonkovich and Dean
Haskins. The team MOM is Jen Haskins. |
