**ARTICLE BY JOSH LONGSTRETH**
The Freeland Falcons and Frankenmuth Eagles would square off in one of the most anticipated matchups of the year in Michigan on Friday night. With both teams fans being out in full force, they had their popcorn ready for this one. It’s a game in which both teams would head into at 4-0 on the year. Both teams had yet to be tested this year, by outscoring their respective opponents 294-55 combined. This one would be expected to be a nail biter in what could go a long way in the TVC in 2022.
The hometown Falcons would have a chance to put their imprint on this one by getting the opening kickoff. Frankenmuth would force a 3-and-out and have a chance to jump on the board first. They would take full advantage. Frankenmuth would eat up over 5-minutes of the 1st quarter on the ground. Griffin Barker would be the man to put the Eagles on top early, as his scamper into the endzone and a successful Will Soulliere PAT would put Frankenmuth out on top, 7-0.
The Frankenmuth defense would force another quick Falcons possession, Freeland would be forced to punt but would regain possession after a muffed punt from Frankenmuth. Freeland would set up shop at the Eagle 47-yard line. On the ensuing snap, Freeland would give the ball right back after an Eagle interception at their own 13-yard line. The home team wouldn’t let that derail this one forcing their own 3-and-out. Freeland would get their offense rolling a bit on the next drive. They would drive deep into Frankenmuth territory. Freeland would have a chance to tie this one up on a near miss on a pass from QB Sam Talaga just over the outstretched hands of speedster Ty Fournier. Frankenmuth would have a chance to put points on the board to end of the half but would be content taking it into the locker room. They would hold a 7-0 lead after one half of play.
Both defenses would continue to come out and dominate early in the 3rd until Frankenmuth would gain great field possession late in the quarter. A big pass interference call on Freeland would put the Falcons’ backs up against the wall. The Eagles would break through again when QB Aidan Hoard would put one right in the hands of Drew Titsworth for an 8-yard touchdown pass. This would give the visiting Eagles a 14-0 lead to this point. Freeland would look to jump right back though. Sophomore Brayden Petre would end the quarter on a big run deep into Frankenmuth territory.
That’s when the Frankenmuth defense would stand tall yet again. They would hold the Falcons off the board again and regain possession after a big 4th down sack. Freeland would have the air sucked out of them on the next drive. After a big gain by Barker, Freeland would be hit with another penalty. The Eagles would take advantage and grab a commanding lead after a 1-yard TD plunge from Brenden Marker. That would be all they would need in this one, Frankenmuth would ware on Freeland to take a 21-0 win.
This one was a battle where you couldn’t ask anymore from both defenses. Frankenmuth would hold the Freeland offense to just 85 yards of total offense in this one. Colin Main had his name called all night. He would lead the Eagles defense with 15 tackles. Dalton DeBeau helped with 7 tackles of his own. The Eagles offense was paced by Griffin Barker who had 89 yards. Hunter Bernthal helped with 82 yards. Freeland had their chances in this one, there’s no denying that. They would hold Frankenmuth to just 231 yards of total offense.
Frankenmuth lets it be known that the conference still runs through Eagle country. They look to continue their dominance next week when they take on a struggling Bridgeport team. They move to 5-0 overall, and 4-0 in TVC play. Bridgeport comes in at 0-5 overall, and 0-4 in the TVC. They were forced to forfeit in week 5. Frankenmuth will welcome them over to their place when the two teams battle next Friday at 7:00.
Freeland faces their first loss of the year and will sit at 4-1, and 3-1 in conference play. They will face a John Glenn team that won by forfeit Friday night. Freeland will head to John Loop Football Field where the Bobcats will await them in week 5.
