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.

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.

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

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.