Falcons Baseball Overcomes Sluggish Start and Spring Weather

As the early season was a frustrating mix of bus accidents, weather cancellations and struggling play, the Elmira baseball team spent Spring Break at the Madras baseball tournament.

Before that however, the Falcons face off with Creswell and reaped an 8-2 victory.  Ayden Wolgamott was the star of the day pitching 4 and a third innings and only surrendering 2 runs.  He also dominated at the plate getting 3 hits on the day.

Ayden Wolgamott slides into second on a steal attempt in a game vs Hidden Valley earlier this year.
 Photo by Michelle Ossowski

A final road trip before the break saw Elmira facing off against 2A Walport, where the Falcons became the power station, unleashing home runs in the game as Elmira crushed Walport 14-2.  Gavin Parker, Cobyn Herbert, and Blake Wigham all launched bombs, with Wigham collecting 5 RBIs on 3 hits.  All of the offense supported a workmanlike victory for Hunter Stockinger, who gave up only 2 runs. The victory raised the Falcons' record to  3-1 on the season.

Then, a strong dose of reality was doled out by tiny 3A Taft High school, leveling a humbling 15-0 beat down on Elmira, holding them to two hits.

"They were really good," Herbert commented in a conversation later.  Taft record is deceptive then because they are 3-5 at press time.  So dominate was their victory however,  that it was shortened after reaching the 5th inning with a 10 run or more lead.

With one of their games cancelled by weather yet again, the Falcons had only two more games to recover from the Taft blitzkrieg.  Playing host Madras, Elmira rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th for a scintillating 8-7 win.

The following game is somewhat inexplicable on multiple fronts.  McLoughlin stormed out to a commanding 11-6 lead after 4 and half innings.  Then the wheels came off for the 4A Pioneers as McLoughlin pitching was in a magnanimous mood, offering 13 walks, combined with 9 doubles by the Falcons.  The result was an electrifying 13 run bottom of the 7th and a ridiculous 24-11 rout of the Pioneers.  It is a game that the Falcons know they got away with one.

"We played pretty sloppy," Herbert lamented.

Elmira will host the Sutherlin Bulldogs from the 3A-5 Far West League on Wednesday April 3... weather permitting. 

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. 

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.  

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."

   

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.