**ARTICLE BY LIEN VELDBOOM**

The Allendale Falcons and Greenville Yellow Jackets faced off on Thursday to open their 2022 seasons. Darren Geraghty and the Falcons looked to recreate the start of last season when they opened the 2021 season with a 2-0 record. Last year, Allendale took the win against Greenville with a score of 23-7. This time around, they captured a 29-7 victory, giving Geraghty his first win as Allendale’s head coach.

Greenville scored first in the game when Isaac Dailey ran it in for a 27-yard touchdown. The extra point was made by Noah Foster, making the score 7-0 for the Yellow Jackets. Allendale came roaring back with a quick touchdown of their own. This came from Tyler Sparks who ran an outstanding 80 yards to the end zone. The Falcon’s extra point was blocked. This did not stop Allendale, however, as they took the lead late in the first quarter off an 18-yard run by Landon Adams.

The second quarter was a little quieter, with the only points coming with 1:06 left on the clock. Kyle Rosser kicked a 25-yard field goal to make the score 16-7 in favor of Allendale going into the break.

Allendale continued to score as the third quarter took place. Finally, for the second time, Adams ran it into the end zone for five yards. The Yellow Jackets struggled to build momentum to get them into scoring range throughout the second half.

In the fourth quarter, the Falcons continued to dominate the field and once again created a scoring drive. This time Sparks used his arm and threw a 12-yard pass to Justin Kavorik, making the final score 29-7 in favor of Allendale.

Tyler Sparks finished the game with 82 yards, completing 5 of his 11 passes. He added 98 rushing yards on nine attempts. Landon Adams helped the running game by contributing 77 yards of his own. The ball was aired out to Justin Kavorik (45 yards) and Isaiah Darling (38) to help the Falcons proceed down the field.

The Yellow Jackets were led by Charlie Braman, who completed 6/12 passes for 61 yards. Greenville’s top receiver tonight was Case Johnson with 24 yards on two catches.

Next week, Allendale will be on the road as they look to build off this victory. They are set to face off against the Vikings of Hopkins. Greenville will look to break their 19-game losing streak as they host Kenowa hills this coming Thursday.