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KNIGHTS ANNOUNCE MERGER WITH SPARTANS!!!!!
The Santa Clarita Knights and the Golden State Spartans have announced that they have agreed to merge the teams together for the 2008 season. After weeks of negotiations, both teams came to an agreement that will benefit both organizations and help make for a competitive squad in the upcoming season. Some key decisions, the team name, colors, and home/practice fields, were very important things that were taken care almost immediately. The team will stay with the Santa Clarita Knights name and colors. The practice fields will alternate between Heritage Park in Valencia and a location to be named later. The game field, as it stands right now will remain Vasquez High School in Acton. The six owners, three from each team, are in talks right now with Pierce College about the possibility of using the field for home games. Interviews with all six owners will be posted soon.
We caught up with Steve Cohen to get his thoughts on the move!
1. What made you decide that a merger was the way to go with your team?
When we started the Spartans we wanted to build a team unlike any other in southern California. We wanted to change the stigma associated with Semi-Pro ball and provide the highest caliber brand of football in the region. As things progressed we realized that in order to provide the best on-field action and off field management, a merger would be necessary. We had the front office know-how and a core group of talented players, but fielding a competitive team simply required more players. We didn't want to be one of those teams that struggled to get enough players to away games. There are numerous teams in the San Fernando Valley and only so many interested football players in the area. As a first year team it was difficult to make a name for ourselves and recruit quality players. By merging with the Knights the Spartans owners are confident that the 2008 season will be a success. After only two practices we are feeling very good about the group of guys on this team. They are dedicated, lively, passionate players and we are proud to call ourselves a part of the Knights family.
2. What did you like about the other owner(s) that made you feel this was a good move?
Before approaching the Knights about a merger we first sat down with our core players to get their feedback. As it turns out, a couple of our players played for the Knights last season and had nothing but good things to say about the organization and owners. We took their words to heart and scheduled a meeting with Tim and things took off from there. As a first time team owner it is nice to have people like Tim and Derek on your side. Throughout his years as Knights owner Tim has seen the good and bad sides of the game and knows how to navigate the often rocky seas of semi-pro ball. We look forward to working with the Knights management to provide our players with the best football experience possible
3. What are you looking forward to the most now that the teams have come together?
Since our teams have merged I am most looking forward to changing the face of the southern California semi-pro football landscape. The rest of the league really has no idea what they're dealing with. You other teams better look out. We'll be bringing it in '08! The Knights are going to do some damage this year!
4. What are the three goals you are looking to accomplish?
First and foremost, i want my players to have fun and enjoy playing. Nobody is getting paid here. Its all for fun and the day it stops being fun is the day i hang up the pads.
The second goal of this season is to have a breakout winning season. I want to go out there, execute and come away with some W's. Watch out for that Knights defense!
My last goal of this season is to lay down the foundation for years and years of Knights football. I want to make this team operate as a well oiled machine from top to bottom. I want to build up the identity of this team and earn some local recognition as the premier team in southern California!
5. What are the biggest hurdles to overcome?
Our biggest hurdles at this point are recruitment issues. Football is an expensive hobby. It can take a toll on your body and your wallet. Finding great players is a challenge for all levels of football but we're confident that by this time next year we'll have people so excited excited about Knights football that roster spots will be hard to come by. I encourage all interested players to get in on the ground floor and join something special.
CRAIG WRIGHT:
1. What made you decide that a merger was the way to go with your team?
I feel that anything that could help us towards winning games is helpful.
2. What did you like about the other owner(s) that made you feel this was a good move?
They seemed like they wanted what we want. a championship.
3. What are you looking forward to the most now that the teams have come together?
Wins. I expect us to suceed and we have no excuse not to.
4. What are the three goals you are looking to accomplish?
Team records. Not personal ones, i want us to be the best Knights squad yet.
5. What are the biggest hurdles to overcome?
Egos. New people brings new talent, and new problems. its gonna be interesting to see how it all turns out.
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Knights Sign 24 Players!
July 17, 2008 --
Following a very productive practice both Tuesday and Thursday night, the Santa Clarita Knights have announced they have offered contracts and signed the follwing 24 players for the 2008 season.
Selvyn Cobos
Casey Schlock
Dalton Patrick
Mike McIntyre
Donovan McGruder
Muntai Evans
Brandon Connella
Ray Romo
Jorge Fajando
Marcus Morvant
Fernando Banda
Dawayne Hairston
Michael Taft
Darryl Strucke
Marvin Wheeler
JD Dorfman
Chris Beagle
Charlie Wentt
Quinton Calloway
Scott De La Torre
Johnathan Jones
Craig Wright
Mike Peralta
Derek Tilford
The Knights have said that more signings are on the way as some players were unable to make out on Thursday for the contract agreement.
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Santa Clarita Knights Professional Developmental Football Team
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