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.

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. 

The game marked the return of Gavin Parker to the team after serving a two game suspension.  At times it seemed like he was literally keeping the  Falcons in the game with big plays on both sides of the ball.  Parker was the recipient of Rowdy Ramirez' 33 yard touchdown pass as he was embarrassingly wide open to end Elmira's first possession of the game, tying the score at 7-7.

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.

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.