“FROM THE HUDDLE”

BY COACH BRIAN WALKER       

               The Falcons of RRC hosted the Wolverines of MLBO last Friday night, and  turned it into a defensive Southern MN Conference battle.  In the first two games, our defense struggled to stop our opponents, but this week, our kids stepped up and played with more desire, and with the exception of 1 play held the Wolverines in check.  However, in a game that was decided by that 1 play, our offense was the one to struggle, and the result was an 8-0 win by the Wolverines.  To open the game, we put together a 12 play drive and moved the ball down to the 8 yd line, but on a 4^th down play came up short handing the ball over on downs to MLBO.  Our defense held tough and forced the Wolverines to punt, but our offense could not mount another serious threat most of the game.  In the second half, with the game still scoreless at 0-0, we came out and moved the ball with a couple of Bevern Kedl runs, but back to back holding penalties backed us up, and took away our first downs.  Then on their next possession, the Wolverines hooked up on a quick slant pass, and they broke a tackle and raced 48 yds for the only score of the game.  They were successful on the 2 point conversion pass to give the Wolverines an 8-0 lead with 8 minutes to play in the third quarter.  There was plenty of time left in the game to mount some offense, but it seemed like when we would get a couple good runs, we would either have a penalty or a turnover handing the ball back to MLBO.  I was pleased with our defense, as we held them to just 158 total yds on the night, and 48 came on one play.  Taylor Mattison led the Falcons with 12 tackles, and Josh Fredrickson had 9 tackles.  Turner Nickel added 7 tackles, and Nate Bierman and Ryan Benedict each added 6 tackles.  Bevern Kedl and Matt Sticha each had a QB sack. 

            On the offensive side, the Falcons out gained the Wolverines by picking up 223 yds.  RRC rushed for 145 yds and added 78 yds through the air.  Once again, Bevern Kedl went over 100 yds with 129 yds in 24 carries to be the Falcon’s work horse.  Turner Nickel carried 8 times for 15 yds, and Ryan Benedict carried 3 times for 18 yds.  Ryan was battling a bruised sternum, and was limited some in this game, but was a big part of the blocking for Bevern.  Blake Walker hit on 7 of 21 passes for 78 yds and had 2 intercepted.  Ryan Benedict caught 2 balls for 11 yds, Bevern Kedl hauled in 2 for 26 yds.  Eric Altermatt, Josh Fredrickson, and Turner Nickel each caught one ball.  Our 6 penalties wasn’t too bad, but we had some crucial miscues after some successful plays, so we will need to cut those out. 

            Next up for the Falcons will be the Springfield Tigers this Friday night.  We travel to Springfield(2-1) which is always a rival of the Falcons, and this is a game that you throw out the records and the games have been very close over the past few years.  We will need a great defensive effort, and our offense will have to get back on track and put some points on the board.  We are getting hungry to taste that first victory of the season.  The kids are working hard in practice, and have great attitudes.  Let’s continue to support this team at home and on the road.  GO FALCONS!!