The Freeland Falcons finished strong in week two to take a big win over Swan Valley. It was much needed for Freeland as they were looking to put together a full performance in which the Falcons never looked back. Freeland found themselves in a bit of a dog fight early on against Garber in week three before cruising the rest of the way over the young Dukes.
The Falcons tried to get off to a quick start on the night but it would be for not as a fumble gave the ball to Garber after just a few plays. Garber wouldn’t be able to do much with it as the Falcons defense forced a turnover on downs to give the ball right back to their offense. On the next Falcons possession they would give the ball right back to the Dukes on another fumble. The Freeland defense was up to task yet again to force a quick three and out. Finally the Freeland offense would gain some traction as they put together an 89-yard drive that was capped off by an Eli Murphy 12-yard touchdown run. This would give the Falcons a 6-0 advantage. Then it was the Garber offense who would put together a big drive of their own as big play wide receiver Max Fellows caught a 19-yard touchdown pass in double coverage from Owen Halstead. After one quarter of play, it would be the Dukes with the lead 7-6.
This is when the scoring would really pick up. Brayden Petre would bust off a big run to get the Falcons offense on the Garber half of the field. Just a few short plays later it was paid off by Sam Talaga on a 16-yard touchdown scamper. Garber looked like they might have something going on their next drive before stalling and the Freeland defense would force a turnover on downs. Things would open up again for the Falcons offense. On the ensuing possession Talaga would bust off a big 60-yard run to put Freeland up two scores. A good two-point attempt would give Freeland some breathing room at 22-7. The Dukes would get right back in the game in a hurry. Halstead would find Fellows again, this time on an 80-yard dart that Fellows would take the rest of the way. This made it a 14-22 ball game. Big play after big play and we would find another one right before the half. Petre would break off another big run. On the next play Ty Fournier found some daylight and wouldn’t be denied as he took one in from 56-yards away. Freeland would hold a 30-14 advantage after one half of play.
Garber tried to set the tone early in the third as the Dukes had their guy Fellows getting involved early. An Ethan Fowler sack would force a Garber punt. Freeland picked right up where they left off on their first possession of the half. Fournier would get involved in both the run and pass game before setting up another Talaga touchdown. The Harvard commit would take it in from 7-yards away this time. The Falcons had a big advantage at this point, 37-14. This only amped the Freeland defense up even more. On the next drive Freshman defensive lineman, Garrett Kain, would come up with a big sack that gave the ball right back to the Freeland offense. Setting up shop in great field possession the Falcons would take full advantage that would result in a Nathan Helmreich 6-yard touchdown burst. All Falcons after three, 44-14.
The Dukes offense just could never get anything going the entire half. Freeland would pick up another rushing touchdown to cap off the night on a Keegan Whelton 13 yard run. Freeland goes on to cruise in this one, 51-14.
The Falcons offense racked up 480 yards rushing on the night. Sam Talaga led the Falcons with 150 yards rushing on the night. Brayden Petre racked up 131 yards of his own. Ty Fournier had a big night by piling up 101 yards rushing yards and 61 yards receiving.
Garber was led by Owen Halstead who went 19 of 32 on the night for 248 yards passing. Max Fellows led the Dukes with 148 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns.
The Dukes will fall to 2-1 on the season. They’ll have a chance to bounce back against a Swan Valley team who picked up a big win over Bridgeport on the night. Those two will battle next Friday night when Garber heads to Swan Valley High School.
Freeland continues to get better and better on the young season. Something that is expected within their program and they surely look the part right now. They move to 3-0 on the season and will have a chance to grab another when they take on a struggling Bridgeport team in week four. It will be the home opener for the Falcons.
