“They had a great season. They have nothing to hang their heads about. They have nothing to be ashamed of, that’s for sure,” said line coach Ernie Punt after the Junior Falcons fell to the Rodliff Raiders of Saint Johnsbury on Saturday in the semifinals.
The game opened under a light snowfall, making both field and ball slippery and wet. Garrett Gile received the opening kick for the Falcons. Two minutes and forty seconds in, Cole Azur carried the ball 30 yards for the first touchdown in the game; Alex Haugwitz kept the ball, crossing for the extra point.
The Raiders answered with a long running touchdown of their own. Nicholas Prue and Curtis Bowen both made big plays for the Falcon defense, at one point moving the pile over seven yards for a first down. The Raiders came on strong and led the game 28-7 at the half.
The Falcons came back after the half looking like they had a little more pep in their step. A 15-yard drive by Cole Azur gave him over 600 yards on the season (unofficial statistic), while a 32-yard run by Garrett Gile gave him over 500 yards this season (unofficial).
Alex Haugwitz scrambled four yards for a short running touchdown and Steven Austin came down catching the extra two. The Falcon defense remained tough, holding the Raiders to a scoreless second half.
Defensive Coordinator Jacques Burnett told the boys after the game, “It started out rough, you guys played well, and I am proud of you.”
Congratulations to the Falcons on a great season and good luck to all the players moving on to the high school. — submitted by Eva Broome
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