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Coach Donnie's "Big
Green Machine"
In the 33 years that the Brookline Knights
have taken to the gridiron, there have been some very outstanding teams. It's
always a gamble to say "this team is best" or "that team is best," but when the
odds are favorable it's worth taking a chance. The 2006 Brookline Knights 9-Under
team just might be the best team to ever put on the green and black.
With Coach Don Helman firmly in control,
this Knight team cruised to a rare undefeated 12-0 season, led on the field by
quarterback and linebacker Connor McGinnis. On offense, Connor had a multitude
of weapons to choose from, keeping opponents guessing and racking up a season
total of 263 points. Michael Roper, Joey Kalsek, David Suwalski, Zac McGrail and
Khalil Sanders gave Connor as many available options to choose from as a customer
in a car dealership.
The defense was a virtual Brick Wall, with
little give. These hard hitters held their opponents to a meager 34 points for the
entire season, 16 of these coming in the final two games!
After coasting to a 9-0 regular season record,
the Knights headed into the playoffs with a swagger. They manhandled Steel Valley
29-0 in the Divisional Playoff game and slashed the Southside Sabers
from the title hunt with a 14-8 victory to claim the Division Championship.
The young Knights saved their best game
for last, when they took on the tough North Hills Indians in the SSYFL Super Bowl.
After a hard fought game, the score was knotted at eight apiece. Overtime ensued. Answering
their first real challenge of the season, the offensive line surged forward and Connor
followed them into the endzone for six points. The conversion attempt failed. The
defense held North Hills back from the goal line to seal the victory and give the
Brookline Knights football program its first claim to a SSYFL Super Bowl Championship!
OK, we're back to that "best team" thing.
In 2004 they captured the WPYSFL championship and have added the 2006 SSYFL title.
They are only nine! With another four years to grow and develop, we may all have to
shield our eyes from the finely waxed sheen of Coach Donnie's "Big Green Machine."
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