The Freeland Falcons got off to a hot start in 2021, winning their first three games. They faced their tallest task to date on Friday, as they squared off with undefeated Essexville Garber. It was a surprise to many across the area that the Falcons emerged with a 43-14 win in this showdown.
Nate Levinson got Freeland on the board in the first quarter, his nine-yard run capping off a 77-yard, six-minute touchdown drive. Later in the quarter, Garrett Pistro doubled the count with a 4-yard touchdown of his own, and the two-point conversion. Garber got on the scoreboard with a touchdown pass of 63 yards by Tommy Szcepanski. This brought the tally to 16-7 in favor of Freeland after twelve minutes.
Bryson Huckeby extended Freeland’s lead with a touchdown run of one yard. The Falcons got their third consecutive two-point conversion. Garber would respond with another touchdown toss by Szcepanski. Before the half concluded, Huckeby and Alex Duley connected for a 28-yard touchdown that gave Freeland a 30-14 advantage.
After a scoreless third quarter, Freeland added two final touchdowns to their tally. Garrett Pistro returned to the end zone with a 5-yard touchdown run. Luke East would cap off the night with a 3-yard score.
Bryson Huckeby was extremely efficient, completing 13/17 passes with 254 yards, finding six different receivers. The Falcons offense had three drives last 11 plays, and two drives last 15+ plays, flexing their offensive muscle.
Freeland is now 4-0 on the season and 3-0 in the TVC. They will square off with Frankenmuth for sole possession of first place in the league next week. Essexville Garber is now 3-1, and they will look to respond in their battle against Birch Run.
