Two things:
First this blog is solely the writing and opinion of Jerry Huls and does not reflect opinions of, or is supported by the Fern Ridge School District or Chartwells K-12 Food Service.
Second: Please if you enjoy the blog send the link around, love it, comment on it and talk about it. We have four sports going now and things will be heating up when we get back off break.
Have a wonderful Christmas... yes... I said Christmas. May your Christmas break not only give you joy with your family but a greater revelation of the One who was sent to us that night in Bethlehem.
Peace be with you,
jdh
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Newport Launches Aerial Bombardment to Flummox Falcons
Still looking for their first victory, the Falcons boys basketball team can look back on significant offensive improvement, scoring a season high in points led by 6-6 sophomore Jacob Marr, who finished with a double/double. However, Newport came out with all guns firing throughout the entire game and when the smoke cleared, Elmira was left with their third loss of the season as the Cubs bombed Elmira 66-48 Friday December 14 at Elmira High School, in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated.
Trailing by 20 or more virtually the entire first half, it seemed that the Falcons had solved the scoring dilemma they were experiencing and started to fee Marr who exploded in the third quarter on 7 of 11 shooting all from close range. He also added 10 rebounds to go with his team high 14 points. Keegan Cook added 12.
"Jacob is coming along well," noted Falcon head basketball coach Nick Garman in an email, "and was aided by some strong guard penetration by our outside guys who dished off some nice passes to Jake."
However, despite scoring a season high 22 point quarter in the third, Elmira actually lost ground to the Cubs, as Newport continued to rain threes as they did in the first half. Newport launched 30 three point shots hitting on 13. Five different players hit two threes apiece. The Cubs were led by Justin Plechaty who scored at will both inside and outside the arc, finishing with 22 points.
"They did surprise us with the number of different players that were firing up threes and hitting," lamented Garman, who was issued his first bench warning of the season in protesting a couple of non-calls on the offensive end for Elmira.
The journey does not get easier as Sweet Home brings a sterling 7-1 record to Elmira High School on Tuesday December 18.
Lady Falcons Endure Two Savage Beat Downs
Last week wasn't kind to the Elmira Lady Falcons basketball team, outmanned at the outset by the absence of center Maranda Hanson. Elmira found itself struggling mightily in its first road contest at Philomath where the Lady Warriors trounced Elmira 55-24 Tuesday December 11 at Philomath High School. Cold shooting that plagued the Falcons in their opening night victory versus Sisters, reared its ugly head again against Philomath. This was compounded by 20 turnovers and an anemic 3 for 18 shooting from the free throw line.
However, the biggest harbinger of doom for Elmira was Philomath big guard Sage Kramer who lit up the Falcon defense for 18 points most in the first half.
"For me the most disappointing part was the discipline of our defense," lamented Elmira head coach Ken Best in an email.
The lone bright spot was Carly Grossmiller who led Elmira, scoring 15 points often on aggressive drives to the Philomath basket.
"Carly is a constant burst of energy," said Best. "She just wants to play and play hard and she doesn't let the swings of the game affect her emotionally. The rest of our team needs to follow her example in that regard."
"Our mental preparation in the practices leading up to this game was not what it needed to be," explained Best. "Our focus, effort, and attitude during the game was not what it needed to be. I can tell you that our short practice on Wednesday and Thursday's practice after this game are two of the best we've had from a mental and physical standpoint."
Unfortunately, that didn't translate into a victory as the Lady Falcons traveled to Newport and were rudely hammered by the hosts by a cringe-worthy 69-18 count Friday December 14 at Newport High School. The 51 point loss left Elmira with a 1-2 count on the young season with Sweet Home coming in next Tuesday for the opener of a double header. The girls play at 5:45 and the boys take the floor at 7:15.
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| Elmira junior Megan Porter defends against Philomath's Emma Pankalla in the Lady Falcon's 55-24 loss on Tuesday December 11 at Philomath High School. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
"For me the most disappointing part was the discipline of our defense," lamented Elmira head coach Ken Best in an email.
The lone bright spot was Carly Grossmiller who led Elmira, scoring 15 points often on aggressive drives to the Philomath basket.
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| Falcon's senior Carly Grossmiller attacks the rack for 2 of her 15 points in Elmira's loss to Philomath Tuesday December 11. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
"Carly is a constant burst of energy," said Best. "She just wants to play and play hard and she doesn't let the swings of the game affect her emotionally. The rest of our team needs to follow her example in that regard."
"Our mental preparation in the practices leading up to this game was not what it needed to be," explained Best. "Our focus, effort, and attitude during the game was not what it needed to be. I can tell you that our short practice on Wednesday and Thursday's practice after this game are two of the best we've had from a mental and physical standpoint."
Unfortunately, that didn't translate into a victory as the Lady Falcons traveled to Newport and were rudely hammered by the hosts by a cringe-worthy 69-18 count Friday December 14 at Newport High School. The 51 point loss left Elmira with a 1-2 count on the young season with Sweet Home coming in next Tuesday for the opener of a double header. The girls play at 5:45 and the boys take the floor at 7:15.
Friday, December 14, 2018
Philomath Takes the Falcons to School
"I want to see if they have a fire in their bellies," said boys basketball head coach Nick Garman, shortly before tip off of their game with Philomath. He was hoping that the Falcons would rebound from the lackluster loss in the opener to Sisters. Instead, he watched his Elmira squad come out timidly, fall behind 40-23 by the end of the third quarter, before starting to assert themselves far too late, as the Warriors waxed Elmira 55-38 at Philomath High School, Tuesday December 11.
"I would like to see us take the fight to our opponents sooner rather than later," lamented Garman in an email. "I would like to see our practice attitude change if we want to see a different result on the floor." Garman suggested that the two subsequent practices since the Philomath game were improved.
Already with a disadvantage because of Philomath's length and size, the Falcons complicated things by offering their opponents 21 turnovers and frigid 12 for 44, 27% shooting. By the time, Elmira was starting to see some progress in the final stanza, the lead was too great to overcome.
Still, Garman found silver linings in the loss. The Falcons out-rebounded the bigger, taller Philomath squad 31-26 and hit 13 of 17 free throws once they started to be more aggressive in taking the ball to the rack. Keegan Cook led Elmira in scoring with 10 points.
"They battled until the end," Garman commented. "which is nice to see the character we have. I do think we can play much better than we did, for sure."
The Falcons welcome the Newport Cubs this Friday night at 7 PM.
"I would like to see us take the fight to our opponents sooner rather than later," lamented Garman in an email. "I would like to see our practice attitude change if we want to see a different result on the floor." Garman suggested that the two subsequent practices since the Philomath game were improved.
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| Falcons' sophomore center Jacob Marr attacks the rim and is fouled by a Philomath defender in Elmira's 55-38 loss to the Warriors, Tuesday December 11. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
Already with a disadvantage because of Philomath's length and size, the Falcons complicated things by offering their opponents 21 turnovers and frigid 12 for 44, 27% shooting. By the time, Elmira was starting to see some progress in the final stanza, the lead was too great to overcome.
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| Elmira's Keaton Warner challenges a Philomath shooter in the Falcons 55-38 loss to the Warriors, Tuesday December 11. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
Still, Garman found silver linings in the loss. The Falcons out-rebounded the bigger, taller Philomath squad 31-26 and hit 13 of 17 free throws once they started to be more aggressive in taking the ball to the rack. Keegan Cook led Elmira in scoring with 10 points.
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| Elmira's Keegan Cook drives to the basket in the fourth quarter of the Falcons 55-38 loss to Philomath, Tuesday, December 11. Keegan led the Falcons in scoring with 10 points. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
"They battled until the end," Garman commented. "which is nice to see the character we have. I do think we can play much better than we did, for sure."
The Falcons welcome the Newport Cubs this Friday night at 7 PM.
Monday, December 10, 2018
Elmira Grapplers Give Strong Showing at Springfield Invitational
As the new season unfolds for Elmira's wrestling teams, results from the Springfield Invitational on Saturday, December 8, portends a good season ahead. The Falcon boys' team placed six wrestlers in the top five of five weight classes to secure a second place finish out of 32 teams.
Leading the way was Mikey Montgomery who placed third at 220 lbs. Ian Drago (126 lbs.), Hunter Davis (132 lbs.), Grey Canada (138 lbs.) and Nat Brown (155 lbs.) all took fourth place in their respective weight classes. Ayden Walgamott finished 5th in the 145 lbs class.
The girls were led by Liberty Barlow who took 1st place at 105 lbs. Elva Zhao and Anna McDougal took third in the 100 lbs. and 155 lbs classes, respectively. Destiny Ruppert took 4th at 155 lbs. The Lady Falcons finished the meet fourth overall.
6A Mountain View was the meet team champion.
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| Ian Drago goes on the offensive in a match during the Springfield Invitational Wrestling Tournament, Saturday December 9. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
Leading the way was Mikey Montgomery who placed third at 220 lbs. Ian Drago (126 lbs.), Hunter Davis (132 lbs.), Grey Canada (138 lbs.) and Nat Brown (155 lbs.) all took fourth place in their respective weight classes. Ayden Walgamott finished 5th in the 145 lbs class.
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| Elmira's Hunter Davis scores a ferocious take down during matches at the Springfield Invitational Wrestling Tournament, Saturday September 8. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
The girls were led by Liberty Barlow who took 1st place at 105 lbs. Elva Zhao and Anna McDougal took third in the 100 lbs. and 155 lbs classes, respectively. Destiny Ruppert took 4th at 155 lbs. The Lady Falcons finished the meet fourth overall.
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| Liberty Barlow gains leverage in a match at the Springfield Invitational Wrestling Tournament, Saturday December 9. Barlow placed first among girls in the 105 lb. class. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
6A Mountain View was the meet team champion.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Lady Falcons Find True Grit; Come from Behind to Dump Sisters
Except for a sublime, impromptu moment, Elmira's girls basketball victory over Sisters was anything but a work of art.
In a sluggish game where both teams shot horrendously, especially in the first half, Elmira's backcourt accounted for 61% of the Falcon's scoring, overcoming a first half deficit and pulling out a 34-29 victory in their season opener in the nightcap game, December 4 at Elmira High School. Senior Sydney Green scored 11 points and Carly Grossmiller added 10 for the winners.
Defense was the order of the day, especially in the second half where the Lady Outlaws were reduced to a meager 10 points in 16 minutes of play. Led by defensive specialist Megan Porter, the Falcons regained the lead on the first possession of the second half and began to wear down the Sisters offense.
"Megan is the type of defender I can put on their point guard, their best shooter, or their best post," Best added. "I trust her in every defensive situation."
The punctuation mark on the victory belonged to Cheyanne White, who provided the most scintillating, albeit inadvertent, highlight of the night. Breaking the Sisters press, White drove into the right side of the paint with the intention of scoring. According to White, she realized that a defender was going to be in the way and chose to pass. As the defender lunged, the pass bounced on a dime through the defender's legs and into the hands of the Falcons' Alexis White, who scored in one fluid motion. It was one of three pivotal plays that sealed the victory for Elmira.
White got another assist to Porter who hit a transition lay-up. With three minutes to play, White had a shot blocked but was able to tip it to Porter who found Green for an open baseline jumper.
"I liked our tenacity and effort," Best said. "They kept their heads in the game and never panicked, and they seemed to having fun. The part about having fun is important to me."
"We have a long way to go in our execution, conditioning, and in a lot of our skill work," noted Falcon's head coach Ken Best in an email. "But I was proud of how level-headed and focused we were."
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| Junior Maranda Hanson towers over three Sisters' defenders as well as Elmira's Megan Porter and Sydney Green to snatch a rebound in the Lady Falcons' 34-29 victory over the Lady Outlaws. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
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| Second team 4A-Sky Em, all conference player Sydney Green goes up for an uncontested lay up in Elmira's 34-29 win over Sisters, Tuesday December 4. Green led all Falcon scorers with 11 points. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
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| Elmira forward Megan Porter defends against Sisters' shooter Sydney Head in the Lady Falcons' opening night victory against the Lady Outlaws, Tuesday December 4. Photo by Kimberly Lilly. |
"Megan is the type of defender I can put on their point guard, their best shooter, or their best post," Best added. "I trust her in every defensive situation."
The punctuation mark on the victory belonged to Cheyanne White, who provided the most scintillating, albeit inadvertent, highlight of the night. Breaking the Sisters press, White drove into the right side of the paint with the intention of scoring. According to White, she realized that a defender was going to be in the way and chose to pass. As the defender lunged, the pass bounced on a dime through the defender's legs and into the hands of the Falcons' Alexis White, who scored in one fluid motion. It was one of three pivotal plays that sealed the victory for Elmira.
White got another assist to Porter who hit a transition lay-up. With three minutes to play, White had a shot blocked but was able to tip it to Porter who found Green for an open baseline jumper.
"I liked our tenacity and effort," Best said. "They kept their heads in the game and never panicked, and they seemed to having fun. The part about having fun is important to me."
Falcons Grounded in Hoops Opener
The season opener was a schizophrenic display of what one might expect from a team playing its first game against a team playing its third. Despite a strong bench performance by sophomore Jacob Marr, the Falcons were on their heels all night and fell listlessly to Sisters 53-40 at Elmira High School, Tuesday December 4.
Marr came off the bench to score 10 points, 4 offensive rebounds and 4 blocked shots. At times, the 6-6 sophomore virtually dominated the game. However, still recovering from a shoulder injury, he couldn't stay on the floor and the Outlaws took advantage when he was on the bench, sending raiding parties into the paint for easy lay-ups that Elmira was flummoxed to stop.
"The most disappointing part of the game for me," commented Falcon's head basketball coach Nick Garman in an email, "was how many direct-line penetrations we gave up and our absence of help side defense."
The primary benefactor for Sisters was 6-3 swing man Zach Anderson who helped lead the Outlaws to ten more free throws than Elmira. The Falcons also committed 13 turnovers.
The win left Sisters 2-1 on the young season and now 6th ranked in 4A. The Falcons fell to 0-1. Elmira travels next week to play Philomath in Corvallis next Tuesday, December 11.
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| Sophomore Jacob Marr skies to collect one of his 4 blocked shots against Sisters' forward Zach Anderson. The Falcons lost to the Outlaws 53-40 at Elmira High School, Tuesday December 4. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
Marr came off the bench to score 10 points, 4 offensive rebounds and 4 blocked shots. At times, the 6-6 sophomore virtually dominated the game. However, still recovering from a shoulder injury, he couldn't stay on the floor and the Outlaws took advantage when he was on the bench, sending raiding parties into the paint for easy lay-ups that Elmira was flummoxed to stop.
"The most disappointing part of the game for me," commented Falcon's head basketball coach Nick Garman in an email, "was how many direct-line penetrations we gave up and our absence of help side defense."
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| Elmira's Bryson Forsman battles Sister's forward Zach Anderson for a rebound in the Falcon's 53-40 loss to the Outlaws, Tuesday December 4. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
The primary benefactor for Sisters was 6-3 swing man Zach Anderson who helped lead the Outlaws to ten more free throws than Elmira. The Falcons also committed 13 turnovers.
The win left Sisters 2-1 on the young season and now 6th ranked in 4A. The Falcons fell to 0-1. Elmira travels next week to play Philomath in Corvallis next Tuesday, December 11.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Cook Moves on to Girls 4A State Championship Cross Country Meet
Kaitlin Cook, who ran to a scintillating 5th place finish at the 4A-4 Sky Em Conference Meet last week has qualified to run in the 4A State Championship this Saturday at Lane Community College.
Cook, who ran a time of 18:59:00, will race for the Championship at 11:35 AM, November 3 for all who would like to cheer Kaitlin on.
Andrea Griffin finished 7th at the Conference Meet with a time of 19:23:24.
Paul Ossowski continued his strong season with a 7th place finish at the Conference Meet also at Lane Community College last week, with a time of 16:39:90. Right behind him placing 10th was Elmira runner Keegan Cook with a time of 16:51:00. Ossowski and Cook failed to qualify for the state Championship which takes the top 5 times in the state.
Cook, who ran a time of 18:59:00, will race for the Championship at 11:35 AM, November 3 for all who would like to cheer Kaitlin on.
Andrea Griffin finished 7th at the Conference Meet with a time of 19:23:24.
Paul Ossowski continued his strong season with a 7th place finish at the Conference Meet also at Lane Community College last week, with a time of 16:39:90. Right behind him placing 10th was Elmira runner Keegan Cook with a time of 16:51:00. Ossowski and Cook failed to qualify for the state Championship which takes the top 5 times in the state.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
PARKER SHINES IN RETURN BUT FALCONS' SEASON ENDS WITH A THUD
Many things aren't easily quantifiable. This was the case as Elmira hosted the Klamath Union Pelicans, with both teams desperate to win a spot in a play-in game for the state playoffs on Friday, October 19 at Swartz Field. Coming in, both squads were evenly matched with identical records and similar victories over common opponents. Indeed, the game lived up to the quality of a chippy, hotly contested battle. Despite forcing 5 turnovers, however, the Falcons found themselves staring at an inexplicable 13-7 loss, leaving Elmira on the outside looking in. So despondent was the team's reaction following the loss that they voted to shun the opportunity to play, essentially, an exhibition game against 3-4 Stayton.
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| Bryce Sawyer (20), Cedars Marshall (72), Ethan Lasby (52), and an unidentified Falcon gang tackle Klamath Union's Courtney Taylor in Elmira's 13-7 loss in the season finale Friday, October 19 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
However, Parker's value shown more clearly on the defensive side of the ball. The statistics told of his dominance; 10 tackles, a sack, and a spectacular interception as the Pelicans were driving to a score that would have sealed the game.
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| Falcon's wide receiver Gavin Parker catches this Rowdy Ramirez pass and takes it to the house for a 33 yard touchdown. It would be the lone score for Elmira as Klamath Union defeated the Falcons 13-7, Friday October 19 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
Still, there was a leak in one of the Elmira tires and that was the running game, where Klamath Union out performed the Falcons in yardage, 198-65. So unable to get free against the Pelican defense was star running back Brady Nagel that Ramirez wound up leading the Falcon's in rushing. Klamath Union's ability to run the ball and hold possession just enough for the Falcons to not get a good look at the endzone for the rest of the game.
Elmira ends their season 4-4, ranked 23rd in the state in 4A, although those numbers are likely to shift as next week's games unfold.
Looking forward, the Falcon fans can anticipate the return of dynamic quarterback Cobyn Herbert to the team after recovering from knee surgery and hope to have Parker back for a full season. Both will be essential for Elmira if they are to challenge the triumvirate of Marshfield, Marist Catholic, and Cottage Grove that finished ahead of them in the 4A-Sky Em Conference.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
TAKING A BREAK
For all who were hoping for articles this week, I took some time in the basement so that my actual job doesn't get behind. I can tell you that for one notable exception, it was a forgettable week in Elmira sports. The girls' soccer team is still clinging to playoff hopes going into their Wednesday night game at Marist Catholic after beating Junction City 1-0 Tuesday October 16.
The Falcon's playoff chances in football took a serious blow after another crushing loss, this time 49-0 to powerful Marshfield, Friday October 12 in Coos Bay. Elmira hosts Klamath Falls this Friday night in need of a convincing victory to move into contention for a play-in game.
The boys soccer team lost to Junction City at Swartz Field 2-0 on Tuesday, October 17. The girls' volleyball team's season ended with a straight set loss to Marshfield here in Elmira on the same night.
As the fall season winds down, I will be taking a break. I will pick the blog up after my football broadcast on KOCF, 92.5 FM. If you enjoy listening to live sports on 92.5, please write or call the station and tell them you want more Falcons sports on KOCF. At this time, the station is projected to broadcast limited sports this winter.
I will pick things up next week.
The Falcon's playoff chances in football took a serious blow after another crushing loss, this time 49-0 to powerful Marshfield, Friday October 12 in Coos Bay. Elmira hosts Klamath Falls this Friday night in need of a convincing victory to move into contention for a play-in game.
The boys soccer team lost to Junction City at Swartz Field 2-0 on Tuesday, October 17. The girls' volleyball team's season ended with a straight set loss to Marshfield here in Elmira on the same night.
As the fall season winds down, I will be taking a break. I will pick the blog up after my football broadcast on KOCF, 92.5 FM. If you enjoy listening to live sports on 92.5, please write or call the station and tell them you want more Falcons sports on KOCF. At this time, the station is projected to broadcast limited sports this winter.
I will pick things up next week.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Herbert, Cottage Grove Dominate Falcons in Volleyball
Cottage Grove senior Cassidy Herbert and her family are coy to talk about colleges that have interest in the 5-9 outside hitter. The Elmira Lady Falcons were left with no doubt why.
Herbert lashed 33 kills and 4 aces as third ranked Cottage Grove demolished the Lady Falcons 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-7) in a match that wasn't as close as the score indicated. 16 of Elmira's 33 points were the product of service faults and unforced errors. When rallies did ensue, the Lions funneled the ball to Herbert who from all over the floor with both powerful strikes and deft placements which had the Falcons' defense reeling.
While her family won't discuss the matter, Lions' head coach Kendra Anderson confirmed that Herbert has been receiving interest both at Cottage Grove High School and in club play. When asked if it was her best game of the season, Anderson was emphatic.
"Oh no," Anderson said. "This is indicative of her game."
The loss dropped the Falcon's record to 6-11. Elmira is off until next Tuesday when they host Marshfield.
Herbert lashed 33 kills and 4 aces as third ranked Cottage Grove demolished the Lady Falcons 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-7) in a match that wasn't as close as the score indicated. 16 of Elmira's 33 points were the product of service faults and unforced errors. When rallies did ensue, the Lions funneled the ball to Herbert who from all over the floor with both powerful strikes and deft placements which had the Falcons' defense reeling.
While her family won't discuss the matter, Lions' head coach Kendra Anderson confirmed that Herbert has been receiving interest both at Cottage Grove High School and in club play. When asked if it was her best game of the season, Anderson was emphatic.
"Oh no," Anderson said. "This is indicative of her game."
The loss dropped the Falcon's record to 6-11. Elmira is off until next Tuesday when they host Marshfield.
Monday, October 8, 2018
Photographers Wanted!!!!
I'm sure that everyone would agree that Kimberly Lillie's photo work for the District and for my blog have been spectacular. However, she simply cannot be everywhere the Falcons are in a given week, especially when her daughter is playing.
We need help from parents, friends, yearbook staffers, anyone with any kind of photographic investment in Falcons' sports. Please send you photos as an attachment to jhuls@fernridge.k12.or.us for publication in The Falcon's Talon, the local blog for all things Elmira sports. I am especially interested in any folks who are out and about at Cross Country events or some of the road soccer and volleyball games.
We will need a bastion of photographers again when basketball and wrestling starts up for winter sports. Get publication credit and wide spread community viewing in this blog. Thanks in advance for you contribution.
Go Falcons!
We need help from parents, friends, yearbook staffers, anyone with any kind of photographic investment in Falcons' sports. Please send you photos as an attachment to jhuls@fernridge.k12.or.us for publication in The Falcon's Talon, the local blog for all things Elmira sports. I am especially interested in any folks who are out and about at Cross Country events or some of the road soccer and volleyball games.
We will need a bastion of photographers again when basketball and wrestling starts up for winter sports. Get publication credit and wide spread community viewing in this blog. Thanks in advance for you contribution.
Go Falcons!
Falcons Get Buried in an Avalanche of Mistakes
The laundry list was an indictment of everything that the Elmira Falcons did to gift wrap a 45-13 victory to Cottage Grove Friday October 5 at Ben White Field at Cottage Grove High School. Three fumbles lost, one interception, one snap over the punter's head recovered inside the 5 yard line, and two crippling personal fouls were the highlights of the debacle.
"I think the pressure of the game got to them," head coach Justin Peeler said in an email. " Giving (Cottage Grove)... 4 possessions inside the 20 really cost us the game. We played pretty equal other than the mistakes." Turnovers allowed to the Lions to start drives on the 12, 9, 4, and 15 yard lines. All four were converted to touchdowns.
Playing on artificial turf in a steady drizzling rain, the Falcons were unable to keep the ball at the start of drives. It was deep into the second quarter before Elmira recorded their first play for positive yardage. The Falcons did manage to come off the deck however.
Down 28-0, Brady Nagel finally got loose and scampered 44 yards for a touchdown to make it 28-7. Again, on the first drive of the second half, Nagel took the rock to the house with an electrifying 61 yard run which closed the score to 28-13 after the missed extra point. For the briefest moment, hope sprung eternal again for Falcons fans.
However, after a nifty return by Cottage Grove's Jacob Dunn to the Falcons's 47, the Lions went on a 10 play drive which culminated in an Erick Giffen 31 yard field goal to extend the lead to 31-13. On the ensuing Elmira drive, Rowdy Ramirez threw his first interception of the season and it was returned to the 4 yard line which was converted to a touchdown by Cottage Grove quarterback Dylan Graves. It was his third rushing touchdown. The Lions' Fernando Giffen also scored three touchdowns.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 4-2, 1-2 in the conference, with the final conference regular season game on the road next Friday October 12, against mighty Marshfield, who will be heavily favored. The Falcons will be without the services of linebacker/wide receiver Gavin Parker who was suspended for two games for disciplinary reasons.
"Marshfield is above and beyond good," Peeler commented. "They have 92 plus players on their team. They have a Division 1 tight end already committed to Oregon State University. We will have our hands full all night just trying to compete with them."
"I think the pressure of the game got to them," head coach Justin Peeler said in an email. " Giving (Cottage Grove)... 4 possessions inside the 20 really cost us the game. We played pretty equal other than the mistakes." Turnovers allowed to the Lions to start drives on the 12, 9, 4, and 15 yard lines. All four were converted to touchdowns.
Playing on artificial turf in a steady drizzling rain, the Falcons were unable to keep the ball at the start of drives. It was deep into the second quarter before Elmira recorded their first play for positive yardage. The Falcons did manage to come off the deck however.
Down 28-0, Brady Nagel finally got loose and scampered 44 yards for a touchdown to make it 28-7. Again, on the first drive of the second half, Nagel took the rock to the house with an electrifying 61 yard run which closed the score to 28-13 after the missed extra point. For the briefest moment, hope sprung eternal again for Falcons fans.
However, after a nifty return by Cottage Grove's Jacob Dunn to the Falcons's 47, the Lions went on a 10 play drive which culminated in an Erick Giffen 31 yard field goal to extend the lead to 31-13. On the ensuing Elmira drive, Rowdy Ramirez threw his first interception of the season and it was returned to the 4 yard line which was converted to a touchdown by Cottage Grove quarterback Dylan Graves. It was his third rushing touchdown. The Lions' Fernando Giffen also scored three touchdowns.
With the loss, the Falcons fell to 4-2, 1-2 in the conference, with the final conference regular season game on the road next Friday October 12, against mighty Marshfield, who will be heavily favored. The Falcons will be without the services of linebacker/wide receiver Gavin Parker who was suspended for two games for disciplinary reasons.
"Marshfield is above and beyond good," Peeler commented. "They have 92 plus players on their team. They have a Division 1 tight end already committed to Oregon State University. We will have our hands full all night just trying to compete with them."
Friday, October 5, 2018
Lady Falcons Come off the Deck to Swab Pirates
With the cacophony of 11 goals scored on them two nights before still resonating in their ears, the Elmira girls' soccer team came home Thursday night to the best present they could have asked for; a winless Marshfield team still looking for their first win of the season.
Showing, before unseen, ferocity, the Lady Falcons used a combination of midfield strength and a decided advantage in team speed to thump the Lady Pirates 4-1 in a injury shortened game Thursday October 4 at Swartz Field. An unidentified Marshfield player was reported to have dislocated her knee and after the delay, the game was called.
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| Elmira's Kennady Laing fires a goal past Marshfield goalkeeper Sabrina Thurman in the first half of the Falcons' 4-1 victory Thursday October 4 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
With the exception of a defensive lapse when Marshfield's Khaley Aquliar broke through on a breakaway to register Marshfield's lone score, the remainder of the game was decidedly played at the other end of the field, where Kennady Laing and Clair Head made repeated assaults on the Lady Pirate's goal. At the half, Elmira had already out shot Marshfield 15-3, unofficially. Laing scored twice from point blank range in the first half to stake the Lady Falcons to a 2-0 lead.
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| The Falcons' Maddie Wisner wins a battle for the ball in Elmira's 4-1 over Marshfield Thursday October 4 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
In the second half, goals by Eden Blunt and Kaycee Monagon put the game out of reach of Marshfield. Throughout the game, Elmira's superior strength in the middle continually propelled the Falcons ferocious attack leading to repeated sprints and open shots on the goal. Head had 4 drives on goal that were near misses. One was called an offside.
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| Paige Reichenberger splits two Marshfield defenders as she rushes on goal in the Falcons' 4-1 win over the Lady Pirates, Thursday October 4 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Ossowski Coming off Strong Performances in Cross Country
Elmira Cross Country runner Paul Ossowski has been leading the boys cross country team saving his two best performances the last two weeks. Ossowski finished fourth last weekend at the Rock n River Invitational, finishing the 5000 meter race with a strong time of 17:06:20. The Falcon's Keegan Cook finished 9th in the race with a time of 17:38:50.
Ossowski topped that performance the previous week at the Harrier's Challenge bringing home the second place medal with a time of 17:49 even.
This Saturday the Falcons will traverse the Paul Mariman Invitational at Philomath High School, as they move closer to Elmira's home meet, the Country Fair Classic, Wednesday October 17.
***Any photographers who would like to contribute to my coverage of Cross Country please feel free to forward your photography as an attachment to jhuls@fernridge.k12.or.us. You will be given full photo credit***
Ossowski topped that performance the previous week at the Harrier's Challenge bringing home the second place medal with a time of 17:49 even.
This Saturday the Falcons will traverse the Paul Mariman Invitational at Philomath High School, as they move closer to Elmira's home meet, the Country Fair Classic, Wednesday October 17.
***Any photographers who would like to contribute to my coverage of Cross Country please feel free to forward your photography as an attachment to jhuls@fernridge.k12.or.us. You will be given full photo credit***
Marist Catholic Carries Out Crusade Against Falcon Teams
No way to mitigate what happened Tuesday October 2. No highlights to feature. Elmira played Marist in three different games; girls' soccer, boys' soccer, and volleyball. Not one of the teams could register a score in their contests.
The most competitive team was the volleyball team which stretched the Spartans in the second game of their match at Marist High School, losing 25-20. The final scores were 25-9, 25-20, and 25-11.
Meanwhile, back at Swartz Field in Elmira, the boys' soccer team was getting manhandled by the Spartans 6-0, their second worst defeat this season.
Finally, back at Marist High School, the girls' soccer team was demolished 11-0. Like the Crusades, soon these scores will be nothing but history.
The most competitive team was the volleyball team which stretched the Spartans in the second game of their match at Marist High School, losing 25-20. The final scores were 25-9, 25-20, and 25-11.
Meanwhile, back at Swartz Field in Elmira, the boys' soccer team was getting manhandled by the Spartans 6-0, their second worst defeat this season.
Finally, back at Marist High School, the girls' soccer team was demolished 11-0. Like the Crusades, soon these scores will be nothing but history.
Monday, October 1, 2018
Elmira Guilty in Homecoming Massacre
By the time that Rowdy Ramirez got to step into the huddle for his first varsity start at quarterback for the Falcons, his defensive team mates had already spotted him a 7-0 lead 47 seconds into the game. Josiah Hernandez picked up a fumble forced by Brady Scroggins and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown and the Falcons never looked back, giving their 2018 Homecoming crowd a satisfying 50-6 drubbing of Junction City, Friday September 28 at Swartz Field.
Ramirez was relatively efficient connecting on 8 of 15 for 107 yards, 2 touchdowns and a 2 point conversion. Ramirez also ran for two short touchdowns as well. Ramirez was also aided by another dominating rushing performance by Brady Nagel, who rushed 13 times for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns on runs of 16, 12, and 11 yards.
It was defense however that was the catalyst for the Falcons' dominating performance. Besides the scoop and score fumble recovery, Elmira registered an interception, 3 sacks, and held the Tiger's offense to a paralyzing 56 total yards. The offense ground out 24 first downs and held a 3 to 1 time of possession advantage.
If there was an ugly side to the convincing victory it was found in the only scoring drive by the Tigers late in the first half. Elmira ushered Junction City to their goal line with an inexplicable string of 4 personal fouls; two roughing the passer penalties and two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, at least one each by linebacker Gavin Parker. The Falcons had a staggering 12 penalties for 108 yards.
After four consecutive home games, the Falcons now go on a critical two game road swing at Cottage Grove and Marshfield. These are games that will be critical to Elmira's drive to make the playoffs in 4A down the stretch, before returning home to finish the regular season against highly ranked Klamath Union.
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| Elmira's Brady Nagel runs for some of his 161 yards rushing yards as Alex Head blocks for him. The Falcons easily defeated Junction City 50-6 for Homecoming 2018, Friday September 28 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
Ramirez was relatively efficient connecting on 8 of 15 for 107 yards, 2 touchdowns and a 2 point conversion. Ramirez also ran for two short touchdowns as well. Ramirez was also aided by another dominating rushing performance by Brady Nagel, who rushed 13 times for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns on runs of 16, 12, and 11 yards.
It was defense however that was the catalyst for the Falcons' dominating performance. Besides the scoop and score fumble recovery, Elmira registered an interception, 3 sacks, and held the Tiger's offense to a paralyzing 56 total yards. The offense ground out 24 first downs and held a 3 to 1 time of possession advantage.
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| Junction City tailback Garret O'Callaghan is tackled for a loss by Elmira defenders Wolfgang Marsalis and Gavin Parker as Rowdy Ramirez moves in to assist during the Falcons' 50-6 Homecoming victory, Friday September 28 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
After four consecutive home games, the Falcons now go on a critical two game road swing at Cottage Grove and Marshfield. These are games that will be critical to Elmira's drive to make the playoffs in 4A down the stretch, before returning home to finish the regular season against highly ranked Klamath Union.
Lady Falcons Struggle to Get 2nd Win in 10 Years over JC
Coming off a tough loss, Elmira's girls' soccer team brokered an early lead and then survived a furious rally by Junction City to take a 2-1 decision over the Lady Tigers, Thursday September 27 at Swartz Field. Paige Reichenberger got the Lady Falcons started with a goal inside just outside of 5 minutes into the game. Elmira kept pressure on in the first half and Lexie Gieger got a breakaway and scored her second goal of the season to put up the Falcons up two and seemingly in control.
"She (Gieger) has really improved on dribbling with a soft touch and keeping the ball in striking distance while sprinting toward the goal," Elmira head coach Rob Lee commented in an email. "This helps freeze the keeper in her spot, allowing Lexie to place the ball right around her."
However, a defensive lapse in the last 30 seconds of the first half allowed Junction City's Maya Miller to score and close the gap to 2-1 at half.
The score by the Tigers sparked a furious second half rally by Junction City, where many times the Falcons seemed out of sync and frustrated, unable to manufacture any offense to counter the Lady Tigers' frequent excursions into the Elmira zone.
"(The) girls were a bit worn down," Lee noted "You could see it in their lackluster efforts to chase down loose balls. Junction city made some adjustments and really put some extra pressure on our defense." Lee mentioned that Megan Porter and Kati Kennedy did stand out. Andrah Cobb once again had a sterling performance as the Falcons rode her 9 saves enroute to only the Lady Falcons second victory in 10 years over Junction City.
"She (Gieger) has really improved on dribbling with a soft touch and keeping the ball in striking distance while sprinting toward the goal," Elmira head coach Rob Lee commented in an email. "This helps freeze the keeper in her spot, allowing Lexie to place the ball right around her."
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| Elmira junior Lexi Geiger rushes into the Junction City zone on her way to scoring her second goal of the season in the Lady Falcons' 2-1 victory over Junction City, Thursday September 27 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
However, a defensive lapse in the last 30 seconds of the first half allowed Junction City's Maya Miller to score and close the gap to 2-1 at half.
The score by the Tigers sparked a furious second half rally by Junction City, where many times the Falcons seemed out of sync and frustrated, unable to manufacture any offense to counter the Lady Tigers' frequent excursions into the Elmira zone.
"(The) girls were a bit worn down," Lee noted "You could see it in their lackluster efforts to chase down loose balls. Junction city made some adjustments and really put some extra pressure on our defense." Lee mentioned that Megan Porter and Kati Kennedy did stand out. Andrah Cobb once again had a sterling performance as the Falcons rode her 9 saves enroute to only the Lady Falcons second victory in 10 years over Junction City.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
COMMENT PLEASE
Fans, I absolutely love preparing this blog and seeing all of the sporting events that I get to enjoy. If you like this blog and want to send a shout out to your favorite student athlete, please post a comment! We want to know how you feel about our Falcon players.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED!
If any Elmira Falcons fans are out at a sports events and taking photos, please consider sharing those moments with the greater Falcon family through this blog. I am always needing more photography. I am blessed to have Kimberly Lillie's fine work but there is only one of her and usually 8 events a week... sometimes more. As you can see from these samples, she has an impeccable eye and adds a great deal to the flavor of the stories, win or lose.
If you would like to publish your Falcon's sports photos, please attach them in an email, with details of the players and the event, including date to jhuls@fernridge.k12.or.us. You will receive full published credit and make an overworking sports reporter very happy.
See you at the games!
(All Photographs by Kimberly Lillie)
If you would like to publish your Falcon's sports photos, please attach them in an email, with details of the players and the event, including date to jhuls@fernridge.k12.or.us. You will receive full published credit and make an overworking sports reporter very happy.
See you at the games!
(All Photographs by Kimberly Lillie)
TRIBULATION TUESDAY: Three Elmira Teams go into Battle with Mixed Rusults.
All aspects of emotion and success were on display Tuesday September 25 as three Elmira squads felt the joy and agonies of three different results.
At Swartz Field, the boys' soccer team rebounded from a horrid 10-0 drubbing at the hands of Henley to wage a scoreless draw with Cottage Grove in the Falcons' first league contest of the year.
"I was actually very pleased with the game," head coach Ryan Chambers said in an email. "Clearly, a win would have been nice but I felt the score was indicative of the game as a whole. It was very evenly matched and both teams played pretty well."
In one of the best defensive performances of they year, Chambers kept midfielder Riley Chambers back to patrol the middle, a strategy that flummoxed any sense of rhythm that the Lions' offense was trying to muster. When Cottage Grove was able to pressure the goal, Jaden Palmer was laying in wait, rejecting 9 shots on goal, unofficially, and registering his third shut out of the season.
Elmira and Cottage Grove Fight to a Draw
At Swartz Field, the boys' soccer team rebounded from a horrid 10-0 drubbing at the hands of Henley to wage a scoreless draw with Cottage Grove in the Falcons' first league contest of the year.
"I was actually very pleased with the game," head coach Ryan Chambers said in an email. "Clearly, a win would have been nice but I felt the score was indicative of the game as a whole. It was very evenly matched and both teams played pretty well."
In one of the best defensive performances of they year, Chambers kept midfielder Riley Chambers back to patrol the middle, a strategy that flummoxed any sense of rhythm that the Lions' offense was trying to muster. When Cottage Grove was able to pressure the goal, Jaden Palmer was laying in wait, rejecting 9 shots on goal, unofficially, and registering his third shut out of the season.
Elmira Volleyball Team Returns to Winning Ways
After absorbing a first set loss to upstart Suislaw, the Lady Falcons flexed their combined talents and won the final three games as Elmira rolled past the Lady Vikings 3-1 at Elmira High School, Tuesday September 25.
Putting the first game behind, the Lady Falcons began to methodically carry out their game plan with Sydney Green leading the team in assists. The beneficiaries of Green's generosity were Maranda Hanson who led the team with 11 kills and Carly Grossmiller who added 8 kills.
"It was a rough first set," commented Elmira volleyball head coach Sarah Wartenbee in an email. "They finally started palying together and completing the plays that they are capable of. It was nice to see."
The improvement is easy to see in the record. After suffering a dismal rut, losing 9 consecutive sets the week before last to league opponents Marist, Junction City and Cottage Grove, The Lady Falcons have rallied to go 6-5 in sets in the last week. This is just in time as Elmira has a road tilt with 10th ranked Marshfield, who despite being in second place in the league sport a sparkling 12-3 record going into the match.
Lady Falcons fall at Cottage Grove
Elmira's girls' soccer team was equally scrappy as they stayed within two goals of the 11th ranked Lady Lions until the 10:00 minute mark of the second half before a third goal and a penalty kick late spelled a 4-0 loss.
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| Elmira's Paige Reichenberger delivers a header in front of a Cottage Grove defender in the Falcon's 4-0 loss to the Lady Lions, Tuesday September 25 at Cottage Grove High School. Photo Kimberly Lillie |
"Cottage Grove has some very talented and fast players," noted Elmira girls' soccer head coach Rob Lee in an email. "(they) were very aggressive getting after loose balls."
The Lady Falcons fell behind on an inexplicable deflection off a corner kick snuck past the goal line. However, Lee saw continued progress from his young team.
"We defended very well most of the time," Lee said. "(Goalkeeper) Andrah Cobb made some incredible saves to help keep the score where it was."
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| Goalkeeper Andrah Cobb fires the ball out of the Falcons zone during their game with Cottage Grove. Elmira fell to the Lady Lions 4-0, Tuesday September 25 at Cottage Grove High School. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Soaring Falcons are Grounded by Marist
The magic carpet ride that was flying into the conference schedule for Elmira's football team was brought to earth in the most guttural way, as Marist Catholic managed to snuff out a Falcon offense that came in to the game as the #3 scoring team in 4A, as the Spartans defeated then #4 ranked Elmira 15-2.
"We could have won this game," head coach Justin Peeler said as he came off the field. This could be an enormous understatement. Peeler was looking back at the squandered opportunities that Elmira left on the field. Four times the Falcons had the ball inside the Marist red zone; three of those were inside the Spartan's 5 yard line. On all of those drives, the Falcons were turned away, as they failed to score an offensive touchdown for the first time this year.
The contest was a defensive slug fest with quarterbacks paying the price. Passing was a premium for both teams, though Marist QB Joey Laing did manage to connect on a 40 yard pass and the Spartans' halfback Hagen Stephenson connected on a 35 yard option pass. Both strikes led to both of Marist's touchdowns, a 2 yard touchdown by Hayden Loboy, and a 3 yard run by Laing. However, the Elmira defense came to play and did their job, pressuring Laing all night, registering 5 sacks and a safety from a holding penalty in the end zone which closed the score to 7-2 in the second period. The Elmira defense held the Marist offense to under 200 yards. The Falcons defense was led by Alex Head who rung up 7 tackles on the night.
In like manner, the Marist defense dismantled the Falcon offense, punishing Elmira quarterbacks with 8 sacks on the day, usually at the most inopportune moments of the game. Starting quarterback Cobyn Herbert was workmanlike in passing 8 of 15 for 81 yards. However, Herbert injured his knee late in the first half while the Falcons were still inside the Marist 5 yard line. Back up quarterback Wolfgang Marsalis came on and was immediately sacked by Marist and the drive was thwarted. Marsalis' night was miserable, throwing 2 for 9 and a meager 4 yards while absorbing 5 sacks the rest of the way and failing to show the kind of foot speed that Herbert has shown that propelled the offense this season . This changed the complexion of the Falcons offense, which failed to threaten Marist significantly afterwards.
Herbert's knee injury could mean a decision for Peeler between the established backup Marsalis and the faster Rowdy Ramirez, who got quarterback time earlier this year in a mop up role at Suislaw. The diagnosis and prognosis of Herbert's injury was not available at press time.
The Falcons have the opportunity to get both healthy and back into the win column as they host bottom dwelling Junction City for homecoming this Friday, September 28 at Swartz Field.
"We could have won this game," head coach Justin Peeler said as he came off the field. This could be an enormous understatement. Peeler was looking back at the squandered opportunities that Elmira left on the field. Four times the Falcons had the ball inside the Marist red zone; three of those were inside the Spartan's 5 yard line. On all of those drives, the Falcons were turned away, as they failed to score an offensive touchdown for the first time this year.
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| Elmira's sophomore quarterback Cobyn Herbert (17) fires a pass under heavy pressure from a defender in the first quarter of the Falcons' 15-2 defeat to Marist, Friday September 21 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
The contest was a defensive slug fest with quarterbacks paying the price. Passing was a premium for both teams, though Marist QB Joey Laing did manage to connect on a 40 yard pass and the Spartans' halfback Hagen Stephenson connected on a 35 yard option pass. Both strikes led to both of Marist's touchdowns, a 2 yard touchdown by Hayden Loboy, and a 3 yard run by Laing. However, the Elmira defense came to play and did their job, pressuring Laing all night, registering 5 sacks and a safety from a holding penalty in the end zone which closed the score to 7-2 in the second period. The Elmira defense held the Marist offense to under 200 yards. The Falcons defense was led by Alex Head who rung up 7 tackles on the night.
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| Elmira running back Ryan Imelm (33) catches a pass in the soft spot of the Marist defensive zone early in the first half of the Spartans' 15-2 win over the Falcons Friday September 21 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
In like manner, the Marist defense dismantled the Falcon offense, punishing Elmira quarterbacks with 8 sacks on the day, usually at the most inopportune moments of the game. Starting quarterback Cobyn Herbert was workmanlike in passing 8 of 15 for 81 yards. However, Herbert injured his knee late in the first half while the Falcons were still inside the Marist 5 yard line. Back up quarterback Wolfgang Marsalis came on and was immediately sacked by Marist and the drive was thwarted. Marsalis' night was miserable, throwing 2 for 9 and a meager 4 yards while absorbing 5 sacks the rest of the way and failing to show the kind of foot speed that Herbert has shown that propelled the offense this season . This changed the complexion of the Falcons offense, which failed to threaten Marist significantly afterwards.
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| Falcon defenders Blake Wigham (28) and Bryce Sawyer (20) combine on tackling Marist tailback Hayden Loboy during the Spartan's 15-2 victory over Elmira Friday September 21 at Swartz Field. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
Herbert's knee injury could mean a decision for Peeler between the established backup Marsalis and the faster Rowdy Ramirez, who got quarterback time earlier this year in a mop up role at Suislaw. The diagnosis and prognosis of Herbert's injury was not available at press time.
The Falcons have the opportunity to get both healthy and back into the win column as they host bottom dwelling Junction City for homecoming this Friday, September 28 at Swartz Field.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Rough Week for Lady Falcons Volleyball Ends with Improvement
After losing 6 consecutive sets last week, the Elmira Volleyball team finally righted the ship as they hosted 5 other teams at their own tournament on Saturday September 22 at Elmira High School. After splitting four sets with Mazama and North Marion in pool play, the Falcons came off the deck to sweep away Gladstone 2-0 (25-5, 25-16). The win moved the Lady Falcons into the championship bracket where they fell 2-1 to Phoenix, 15-25, 28-26, and 12-15.
The week started ominously at Junction City, where a power failure at the Tigers gymnasium caused a 45 minute delay. Their reward for their patience was a 3-0 loss to Junction City (17-25, 11-25, and 7-25) despite 6 blocks by Maranda Hanson. The three set drubbing was amplified by a rash of two hit and net violations, many of which left Lady Falcon players mystified. The calls were incongruously distributed with Elmira getting tagged with 19 violations to only 3 for Junction City. The Lady Falcons were then swept aside 3-0 by Cottage Grove on Thursday, September 20. They also fell 2-0 to Newport in their tournament consolation round. Three of the Lady Falcons' victories this year have over Gladstone.
The week left Elmira at 5-6 (0-3 in the 4A Sky-Em League) for the season.
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| Cheyanne White fires a shot in a game earlier this season for the Lady Falcons volleyball team. Photo: Kimberly Lillie |
The week started ominously at Junction City, where a power failure at the Tigers gymnasium caused a 45 minute delay. Their reward for their patience was a 3-0 loss to Junction City (17-25, 11-25, and 7-25) despite 6 blocks by Maranda Hanson. The three set drubbing was amplified by a rash of two hit and net violations, many of which left Lady Falcon players mystified. The calls were incongruously distributed with Elmira getting tagged with 19 violations to only 3 for Junction City. The Lady Falcons were then swept aside 3-0 by Cottage Grove on Thursday, September 20. They also fell 2-0 to Newport in their tournament consolation round. Three of the Lady Falcons' victories this year have over Gladstone.
The week left Elmira at 5-6 (0-3 in the 4A Sky-Em League) for the season.
Monday, September 17, 2018
Falcons Take Flight in Win over Philomath; Soar to #4 in 4A
For two consecutive weeks, the Elmira offense was predicated on a strong rushing game with Brady Nagel carrying the bulk of the offensive responsibility and Head Coach Justin Peeler keeping sophomore quarterback Cobyn Herbert on a gradual learning curve. However, Philomath's strong defensive line necessitated that the young Falcon needed to leave the nest. The results were profound.
With Nagel held to only 54 yards, the 6-4 Herbert was loosed on the Philomath secondary, throwing 3 touchdown passes, two to Bryson Forsman, while the Elmira defense forced 4 turnovers as the Falcons flew to an 18-7 victory over the previously undefeated Warriors.
Herbert was 15 for 26, 223 yards without an interception.
"We knew they were going to blitz a lot and force us to pass," Peeler explained in an email. "It was nice to see the passing game be successful."
While Forsman was the beneficiary of 2 scores, it was Rowdy Ramirez who joined Herbert in the coming out party for the Falcon passing attack. Ramirez caught 7 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.
"Rowdy had a great game and was excited for him," Peeler said. "He is a very hard working player and I love to coach him."
While the passing offense was thrilling for Falcon fans, it was the defense that carried the day. Against a very effective offensive line that ground out 192 physical yards, the defense used timely turnovers and an epic goal line stand at the end of the first half to win the day. Elmira registered three fumble recoveries, an interception by Bryce Sawyer, and three sacks on the night.
With Philomath trailing 12-7 late in the second quarter, the Warriors drove the ball to the Falcons' 5 yard line. There with 4 opportunities, Elmira's defense bowed its back and held the visitors out of the end zone, the fourth down attempt coming with only 5 seconds remaining in the half. The Falcons scored on the opening drive of the second half and controlled the game from that point forward.
"The defense was amazing last night," praised Peeler. "We rallied to the ball very well. We did get tired, but they really pushed through and got the job done. They wanted the win and they took it away from them."
Elmira finds themselves in rarefied air, ranked 4th in 4A by the OSAA ahead of Cottage Grove, Marshfield and Marist Catholic. The league schedule begins next Friday night, September 21 at Swartz Field as the Falcons host Marist, who find themselves on a two game losing streak. Both Marshfield and Cottage Grove have also absorbed losses this year.
"Now the grind starts," Peeler opined. "I am feeling better about going into these games with some good tests. In years past, our non-league has been very weak. Marist is tough, but they are on a losing streak right now. We need to jump on them early and get their confidence down. Cottage Grove loss was a shocker. We will see how they are. They have a lot of new faces, but are well coached."
With Nagel held to only 54 yards, the 6-4 Herbert was loosed on the Philomath secondary, throwing 3 touchdown passes, two to Bryson Forsman, while the Elmira defense forced 4 turnovers as the Falcons flew to an 18-7 victory over the previously undefeated Warriors.
Herbert was 15 for 26, 223 yards without an interception.
"We knew they were going to blitz a lot and force us to pass," Peeler explained in an email. "It was nice to see the passing game be successful."
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| Quarterback Cobyn Herbert throws to a wide open Brady Nagel in the second quarter of the Falcons' 18-7 victory over Philomath, Friday September 14 at Swartz Field. Photo: Brad Fuqua/Philomath Express |
While Forsman was the beneficiary of 2 scores, it was Rowdy Ramirez who joined Herbert in the coming out party for the Falcon passing attack. Ramirez caught 7 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.
"Rowdy had a great game and was excited for him," Peeler said. "He is a very hard working player and I love to coach him."
While the passing offense was thrilling for Falcon fans, it was the defense that carried the day. Against a very effective offensive line that ground out 192 physical yards, the defense used timely turnovers and an epic goal line stand at the end of the first half to win the day. Elmira registered three fumble recoveries, an interception by Bryce Sawyer, and three sacks on the night.
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| Gavin Parker hits Philomath quarterback Calvin Snuggerud during the Falcons' 18-7 win over the Warriors, Friday September 14 at Swartz Field. Photo: Brad Fuqua/Philomath Express |
With Philomath trailing 12-7 late in the second quarter, the Warriors drove the ball to the Falcons' 5 yard line. There with 4 opportunities, Elmira's defense bowed its back and held the visitors out of the end zone, the fourth down attempt coming with only 5 seconds remaining in the half. The Falcons scored on the opening drive of the second half and controlled the game from that point forward.
"The defense was amazing last night," praised Peeler. "We rallied to the ball very well. We did get tired, but they really pushed through and got the job done. They wanted the win and they took it away from them."
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| Elmira's Bryce Sawyer steps in front of Philomath's Brooks Stearns for an interception in the fourth quarter of the Falcons' 18-7 win, Friday September 14 at Swartz Field. Photo: Brad Fuqua/Philomath Express |
Elmira finds themselves in rarefied air, ranked 4th in 4A by the OSAA ahead of Cottage Grove, Marshfield and Marist Catholic. The league schedule begins next Friday night, September 21 at Swartz Field as the Falcons host Marist, who find themselves on a two game losing streak. Both Marshfield and Cottage Grove have also absorbed losses this year.
"Now the grind starts," Peeler opined. "I am feeling better about going into these games with some good tests. In years past, our non-league has been very weak. Marist is tough, but they are on a losing streak right now. We need to jump on them early and get their confidence down. Cottage Grove loss was a shocker. We will see how they are. They have a lot of new faces, but are well coached."
Friday, September 14, 2018
Marist Catholic Rolls over Lady Falcons in Conference Opener
The 11th ranked Marist Lady Spartans finally began playing to their ranking, defeating a pesky Elmira squad 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, and 25-22). It was the Spartans' first victory and raised their record to 1-5 on the season.
The Lady Falcons weren't able to make a serious run at Marist until the third game as the Lady Spartans kept Elmira at arms length in the first two games. Senior Carly Grossmiller awoke in the third game sparking the Elmira rally with 6 kills.
Carly and Maranda (Hanson) had great games," head coach Sarah Wartenbee said in an email. "My setters (Josie Dickson, Sydney Green, and Annie Carpenter) hustled tremendously and did an excellent job of taking control of the ball even if the first pass wasn't on point. Azzy Lane did a great job serving, in the back row, and does everything that is asked of her"
However, the Falcons had no answer for 6-1 outside hitter Britney Duvall who dominated the second and third games with 9 kills in the final game including the final four Spartan points to send Marist to the shut out victory.
"We have things to work on as a team and as individual team mates," Wartenbee explained. "We have a lot of ability, but just need to put all the pieces together."
The Lady Falcons weren't able to make a serious run at Marist until the third game as the Lady Spartans kept Elmira at arms length in the first two games. Senior Carly Grossmiller awoke in the third game sparking the Elmira rally with 6 kills.
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| The Falcons' Maranda Hanson goes up for a kill in Elmira's 3-0 loss to #11Marist Catholic at Elmira High School, Thursday September 13. Photo: Kimberly Lillie |
However, the Falcons had no answer for 6-1 outside hitter Britney Duvall who dominated the second and third games with 9 kills in the final game including the final four Spartan points to send Marist to the shut out victory.
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| Sophomore Josie Dickson serves as Mallory Bailey waits during the Falcons' 3-0 loss to Marist Thursday Septemeber 13. Photo: Kimberly Lillie |
Laing, Monagan Lead Lady Falcons over South Umpqua
Kennady Laing set the tone with two early goals and Kaycee Monagan finished job with two second half goals as the Lady Falcons soccer team routed over matched 3A South Umpqua 4- nil Thursday September 13 at Swartz Field.
With Megan Porter patrolling the center of the field, the Lady Lancers were unable to muster any semblance of an offensive attack. Meanwhile, Lancers' goal keeper Haley McAvoy was assailed with shots all game as Elmira out shot South Umpqua 21-0.
Lainge scored early as the Falcons frequently crowded McAvoy to get off point blank shots on goal.
Monagan scored on a rebound from a Laing shot in the second half and off a corner kick that McAvoy lost control of, bounding into the net for the fourth Falcons' score.
"Kaycee Monagon is starting to get back in to her 2nd-Team All-League form," head coach Rob Lee commented in an email. "She is making some really great passes, setting up our wings for great opportunities down the sideline, and her free kicks are getting locked in as witnessed by her scoring directly from the corner kick for her second goal of the night. Having her back up to speed will really help our offense moving forward in to league play."
The victory left the Lady Falcons 2-2 on the season with one game left in the non-conference schedule. After a neutral site contest with Astoria next Tuesday in Wilsonville, they will open conference play on the road at Cottage Grove on September 25.
"Marist will be a formidable opponent once league play starts," noted Lee, "and Cottage Grove, although they are only 1-2-1, they will also be very tough in league. I think realistically we are looking to fight for 2nd in league with Grove and Junction City. The good news about whatever happens this season is that we get another shot at a league title with all my players returning for next year."
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| Kennady Laing races downfield with the ball against a South Umpqua defender during the Falcons' 4-0 win over the Lady Lancers. Laing scored twice in the contest. Photo: Kimberly Lillie |
With Megan Porter patrolling the center of the field, the Lady Lancers were unable to muster any semblance of an offensive attack. Meanwhile, Lancers' goal keeper Haley McAvoy was assailed with shots all game as Elmira out shot South Umpqua 21-0.
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| Elmira's Maddie Wisner fires one of the Falcons' 21 shots on goal during the Elmira's 4-0 win over South Umpqua Thursday September 13 at Swartz Field. Photo: Kimberly Lillie |
Lainge scored early as the Falcons frequently crowded McAvoy to get off point blank shots on goal.
Monagan scored on a rebound from a Laing shot in the second half and off a corner kick that McAvoy lost control of, bounding into the net for the fourth Falcons' score.
"Kaycee Monagon is starting to get back in to her 2nd-Team All-League form," head coach Rob Lee commented in an email. "She is making some really great passes, setting up our wings for great opportunities down the sideline, and her free kicks are getting locked in as witnessed by her scoring directly from the corner kick for her second goal of the night. Having her back up to speed will really help our offense moving forward in to league play."
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| Elmira's Kaycee Monagan moves downfield during the Falcons' 4-0 win over South Umpqua September 13 at Swartz Field. Photo: Kimberly Lillie |
The victory left the Lady Falcons 2-2 on the season with one game left in the non-conference schedule. After a neutral site contest with Astoria next Tuesday in Wilsonville, they will open conference play on the road at Cottage Grove on September 25.
"Marist will be a formidable opponent once league play starts," noted Lee, "and Cottage Grove, although they are only 1-2-1, they will also be very tough in league. I think realistically we are looking to fight for 2nd in league with Grove and Junction City. The good news about whatever happens this season is that we get another shot at a league title with all my players returning for next year."
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Falcons JV Moves to 2-0 with Shut Out over North Valley
In a physical, ugly game, the Elmira JV football team managed to out muscle a 6-0 win over visiting North Valley in a game that was originally scheduled to be played in Grants Pass but was moved Swartz Field due to excessive smoke in area.
Defense was the course of the day with both teams being plagued with turnovers... either on downs or by interceptions, capped by Ian Drago's interception with 42 seconds remaining in the game to seal the victory. The defensive performance made Gavin Laing's 6 yard sweep for a touchdown stand up. The win moves the Falcons' JV to 2-0 on the young season.
Defense was the course of the day with both teams being plagued with turnovers... either on downs or by interceptions, capped by Ian Drago's interception with 42 seconds remaining in the game to seal the victory. The defensive performance made Gavin Laing's 6 yard sweep for a touchdown stand up. The win moves the Falcons' JV to 2-0 on the young season.
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| Tailback Gavin Laing (24) sweeps around left in for the Falcons' lone touchdown in the Elmira JV's 6-0 win over North Valley, Friday September 7 at Swartz Field. Photo: Kimberly Lillie |
Nagel Leads Falcons over #15 North Valley
Christmas came early to Head Coach Justin Peeler and his Elmira Falcons in the form of an extra home game. Rumored for days, the contest between North Valley and the Falcons was moved to Swartz Field because of heavy smoke in the Grants Pass area due to wild fires that have plagued the Cascades for weeks. Relieved of the 2 and half hour convoy down, the Falcons climbed on Brady Nagel shoulders to win a wild 31-28 thriller of then #15 North Valley Friday September 7.
Nagel rushed for 162 yards and 4 touchdowns. Cobyn Herbert added 60 yards to the potent Elmira ground game as well as blocking a punt that was returned for a touchdown for the second consecutive week.
"He is fast off the ball and very long," Peeler said of Herbert. "He just seems to have a nose for the ball."
Herbert's block seemed to put the Falcons in control in late in the third period extending the lead to 24-14. However, Toren Tuttle rallied the Knights with a 14 yard touchdown pass to Elijah Colas, closing the lead to three. Nagel then ripped off a 54 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to return the lead to 11. Tuttle rebounded North Valley again driving the Knights late in the game and connecting with Colas for a second touchdown with only 32 seconds remaining. Colas' 2 point conversion tightened the score to 31-28. Only a recovery of an on-side kick finally sealed the victory for the Falcons.
The Falcons' offensive line was stellar against a formidable North Valley D-line, rushing for 229 yards and allowing Elmira to build its lead on Nagel TD runs of 28, 2, and 2 yards.
"The line is getting better every week," Peeler commented. "We still need some work on it but we will get there. Brady had some great vision on the outside runs."
Interestingly enough, the win left the Falcons 2-0 and tied in the OSAA rankings at #8 with their next opponent, Philomath. The gamer will be Friday night September 14 at Swartz Field.
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| Receiver Bryson Forsman battles a North Valley defender for a 30 yard reception in the Falcons' 31-28 win Friday September 7. Photo: Kimberly Lillie |
Nagel rushed for 162 yards and 4 touchdowns. Cobyn Herbert added 60 yards to the potent Elmira ground game as well as blocking a punt that was returned for a touchdown for the second consecutive week.
"He is fast off the ball and very long," Peeler said of Herbert. "He just seems to have a nose for the ball."
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| Sophomore Cobyn Herbert (17) blocks a punt for the second consecutive week. It was returned by Gavin Parker (11) for a touchdown in the Falcons' 31-28 victory over North Valley Friday September 7 at Swartz Field. Photo: Kimberly Lillie. |
Herbert's block seemed to put the Falcons in control in late in the third period extending the lead to 24-14. However, Toren Tuttle rallied the Knights with a 14 yard touchdown pass to Elijah Colas, closing the lead to three. Nagel then ripped off a 54 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to return the lead to 11. Tuttle rebounded North Valley again driving the Knights late in the game and connecting with Colas for a second touchdown with only 32 seconds remaining. Colas' 2 point conversion tightened the score to 31-28. Only a recovery of an on-side kick finally sealed the victory for the Falcons.
The Falcons' offensive line was stellar against a formidable North Valley D-line, rushing for 229 yards and allowing Elmira to build its lead on Nagel TD runs of 28, 2, and 2 yards.
"The line is getting better every week," Peeler commented. "We still need some work on it but we will get there. Brady had some great vision on the outside runs."
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| Bryce Sawyer moves up field on a 39 yard kick return in Elmira's 31-28 victory over North Valley, Friday September 7 at Swartz Field. Photo: Kimberly Lillie |
Interestingly enough, the win left the Falcons 2-0 and tied in the OSAA rankings at #8 with their next opponent, Philomath. The gamer will be Friday night September 14 at Swartz Field.
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