Football team recognized

The Ballard Knights Bantam team won the title for their age division at the Northwest Junior Football Championship games on Nov. 4,

The Knights beat the Silverlake Timberwolves from Everett 14-0. Both teams dominated defensively in the first half.

Blake Sechler of the Knights went on a 45-yard run as the second half began to spark his team. From there, quarterback Kevin Miller threw a 25-yard pass to receiver Buddy Valenzuela for a touchdown. Miller then kicked an extra point for a 7-0 lead.

In the fourth quarter, a balance offensive attack was lead by Valenzuela, Sechler, Parker Mayes and Andrew Starkenberg .

Sechler nearly scored in the Timberwolves end zone, but fumbled the ball. Teammate Junior Jones recovered the fumble for the team's second touchdown.

For the Bantam's the win was especially satisfying. They have not beaten Silverlake in four years of regular and post-season play. Silverlake had been undefeated for four consecutive years.

"It was very exciting. The crowd was very loud," said parent Katie Sechler.

Next came the Ballard Knights junior team coached by Jason (Buzz) Busbee, Ken Frost and Ken Brake. The juniors defeated another Silverlake Timberwolves team 13-12.

The day of playoff games opened with the Ballard Knights 89er team losing 27-6 to the Richmond Bulldogs. They lost the game, but were otherwise undefeated.

The Northwest Junior Football League is represented by seven organizations throughout Northwest Washington with five divisions.

Since 1962, the Ballard Knights have been competing against other league teams from Richmond, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Lake City, Silver Lake, Interbay and the Eastside.

Ballard Knights teams also include the 89er Black, 89er Silver, Midgets and PeeWees who are grouped according to age and weight. The Ballard Knights cheerleaders support the teams.