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. 

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."

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."

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.