Our Glendale Falcons took one step closer to winning a 2nd consecutive District 5 Title, by defeating the Lebanon Yellowjackets 28-21, on Thursday night.  By early in the 2nd quarter, we were up 21-0, and you might have thought this was going to be a cake-walk - “but that’s why they play the game”!

Lebanon scored their first touchdown at the very end of the half, to draw within 21-6 (missed PAT).  In the 3rd quarter, they would score another touchdown along with the 2-point conversion, to cut the lead to 21-14, while continuing to hold the Falcons’ offense in-check.  By early in the 4th quarter, the Yellowjackets would score their 3rd touchdown to cap an amazing comeback, tying the score at 21-21.  On the ensuing kick-off, a Falcon fumble on our own 20 yard line, recovered by the Yellowjackets, was starting to make a Falcon win appear less and less likely.  But when the Yellowjackets then returned the favor by fumbling on our 5 yard line, and the Falcons recovered it, we dodged a major bullet.  With an 8-plus minute drive, rushing the ball on all but 1 play, our Falcons would score the go-ahead, game-winning touchdown, leaving just under a minute to play in the game.

If the Parkview Vikings could have beaten the Kickapoo Chiefs on Friday night, that would clinch a District 5 Title for the Falcons.  However, that did not happen, and the Chiefs rolled over Parkview to the tune of a 41-14 victory.  So now, on Friday night November 2nd, at 7:00pm, at JFK stadium (not Thursday night, as the Springfield News-Leader publicized in Friday’s paper), our Falcons must defeat Kickapoo to claim that District 5 Title.  Despite the Chiefs being only 1-8 this year, the Falcons cannot afford to underestimate anyone at this point in the season.  GO FALCONS!!!

Per GHS Athletic Director Jon Ewing:

With the district games going on please help get the word out for our parents to stay in the stands. We’ll be on the southeast side Thursday night and the northwest side next Friday. They can’t be on the track or the sidelines. I apologize for not helping us start that at the beginning of the season. I realize it’s tough to break habits. I’ll remember that for next year. Thanks. 

Last Friday night, our varsity Falcons crushed the Parkview Vikings, winning 48-19.  It was 48-0 until the last 1:48 of the game, when Parkview scored its first touchdown, then recovered two on-side kicks in-a-row, scoring touchdowns off of each of those.  This was an important week 1 of district play, so with two more wins (Lebanon and Kickapoo), our Falcons can win a 2nd consecutive district title and move on to state playoffs.

Last night (Monday), our JV Falcons hosted the Parkview Vikings, and finished their season on a high note, winning 48-32.  Celab Bolda once again had a great rushing night, scoring 3 touchdowns on runs of 80 yards, 70 yards, and 50 yards.  Skylar Ladd tossed in 3 more touchdowns, and ran for one TD.  Way to go on a great season JV - we are proud of you!

Also last night, our Freshman Falcons hosted the Vikings, and lost 20-36.  We scored first to take 6-0 lead, but the Vikings scored on their next possession, completed a two-point conversion, and never trailed after that.  This gave the Freshman Vikings team an undefeated season - so we had better be on the lookout for a much improved Parkview football program next year.  Our Freshman worked hard this year, and were in every game.  These sophomores-to-be will make a great addition to the JV-V teams next season.  We are proud of all you Freshman Falcons!

Next up, our varsity Falcons host the Lebanon Yellowjackets (4-4), on Thursday night at 7:00pm, JFK Stadium,  for game 2 of district play.  GO FALCONS!!!