NEWS RELEASE
September 14, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Caroline Laibstain, Alex Raphael, Brunela Wong, Jon Epp, Micah Scott, Directors of Communications
scompr@dukes.jmu.edu
KNOXVILLE, TN. – The Knoxville Knighthawks took on the Orange Alligators Week 1 last Sunday in Orlando at the Tropicana Stadium. The Alligators defeated the Knighthawks in a close game 123.90 to 130.66.
The efforts of the Alligators was spearheaded by quarterback Tom Brady who racked up a third of his team’s points, passing for 379 yards and four touchdowns (43.16). Antonio Brown paired well with Brady, bringing in 121 receiving yards and a touchdown in their triumph. However, Knoxville reaped a strong output from their wide receivers as DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper collaborated for 26.30 and 39.90 points, respectively. Lackluster production from the Knighthawks’ running backs was the deciding factor with Saquon Barkley and Raheem Mostert mustering a meager 3.70 and 2.00 fantasy points.
Coach Micah Scott of the Knighthawks stated during the post game presser, “Despite the strong effort by our team, we didn’t manage to hold onto our lead going into the final minutes. At the end of the day I am proud of our players and our performance, and we look forward to bouncing back next week.”
During the game, however, Knighthawk running back Raheem Mostert unfortunately sustained a season altering injury through some chipped cartilage in his knee during the opening game. He is expected to undergo a full meniscus repair, and will be out for the next eight weeks.
In Week 2, the Knighthawks (0-1) will go up against the Harrisonburg Valley Bees (1-0) at home on Thursday at 7:00 pm, and you will be able to stream it live on ESPN.
The Knoxville Knighthawks are an American professional football team based out of Knoxville, Tennessee. The Knighthawks play in front of 102,000 fans at Neyland Stadium and look forward to the continued support for our franchise.