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."

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.

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."

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."