The Lady Falcons have begun their season and have already played their first game. After a tough scrimage against Hancock, they pushed through to complete a game against them the very next day.
Sports
By Cameron S.
The Family Falcons boys and girls basketball teams prepare for a new season. On November 13, 2011 the boys hit off the season with tryouts. “It was challenging and motivating, I’m very optimistic about this season,” said team hopeful Ezra B. The captain of this Falcon team is senior Tarek M. “The boys have a lot of heart, and I can tell that it’s going to be a good season,” he said. The co-captain is John I. and this is his first year playing basketball at FFS. The team is led by head coach Larry P. and assistant coach Shane M.
The girls’ basketball team had try-outs on November 9 and 11. The girls hope to make this season a successful one and really unite. “I’m excited to see the team come together,” said Ellie H. Coming off a not so smooth season last year, there’s a lot of anticipation for what this season holds for them. Jaci K. mentions this when saying, “I’m interested to see how this season will go.” With Dee P. at head coach and Debbie K. at assistant coach we’re bound to have an exciting and fun filled season.
With both of these powerhouse teams playing this winter, the excitement and competitiveness that’s in the air is overwhelming. Falcon fans everywhere are all waiting nervously for the 2011-2012 season.
By Joe T.
Fans crowded into the packed Colonie High School Stadium in Albany, New York to watch The Family Foundation Falcons compete against The Ft. Ann Cardinals for the Class D Regional Championship on Saturday November 12. One of the most remarkable high school soccer games ended the Family School’s Cinderella story and state run, as they lost to Ft. Ann 1-0, advancing the Cardinals in the state tournament.
Both teams presented impressive overall records leading up to the game. Ft. Ann with a 12-2-2 record slightly outmatched the Falcons who were 12-3-1. FFS, the underdogs of the game, had never made it to the Regional Championship. Ft. Ann was returning for the second year in a row and had more experience in pressure filled games.
Led by the superb coaching skills of Rich M., the Cardinals played speedy and smart soccer. George L. and Jeff J. kept control of the ball for most of the first half, giving the Cardinals an advantage in the upper half of the field. Even with this frequent possession, Ft. Ann could not break away to score. The skilled FFS defense of Rodrick O., Scott M., and Cameron S. stopped majority of the opposing shots. “They were a very talented offense, and very quick,” said Scott. “We also had a very hard fighting back line though, which worked in our favor.”
Scoring threats for the Falcons were close to absent, as offensive players Tim R., Lucas V., and Ezra B. could not deliver. Ezra had one chance in the first half, as Tim booted the ball down field. Ezra broke past the Ft. Ann’s defensive line, and ripped a missile that went to high and right over the Cardinals goalie, Robert C.’s head.
With both teams playing superb defensive ball the first half closed with a 0-0 score. At the start of the second half both teams came out hungry for a victory. “With a move-on or go-home attitude we both came out on fire,” said Falcon Stefan D. “I know we really wanted a chance to show we were the dominant squad.”
The grass on the soccer field became more and more damaged as the players attacked each other for goal chances. The ball could not be kept under control until Ft. Ann stepped up to show FFS why they were worth Regional Champions.
The soccer ball skittered across the line tampering in the out of bounds area. Cardinal Forward, Mike G. took control as he stole the ball, driving towards the Falcon’s goal. The majority of FFS players were in the upper half of the field so it was Mike against the three Falcon defenders and rookie goalie Max W. Gusek broke past Sharp as he drove towards Roderick’s side of the field. Roderick, a defender who goes all out to prevent the ball from passing, stuck his foot out making contact with the ball. The awkward bounce off Roderick’s shin allowed Mike to regain possession and continue his drive. The one-on-one matchup with Mike and Scott resulted in Scott on the ground. Mike followed the collision by punting the ball past Max in the upper 90 of the net.
Falcon’s cheering section erupted with complaints, claiming Ft. Ann’s goal was illegal. The accusation of a handball was denied by the referees, and the game started up again. The 1-0 advantage would be the only goal the Cardinals needed to maintain.
Falcon’s offense started to die down as the players lost desire. “All I know is we lost momentum, and did not get the ball back,” said Stefan. With one minute left Sharp scooped up the ball from the out of bounds area for a throw in. After a strong toss in, Broadwell chipped up the bouncing ball only to have his shot blocked by Robert C. Jon W. quickly booted the ball back down field. The game was out of reach for FFS. As the final seconds of the Class D Regional Championship ticked away, Rich M. thrusted his fist in the air with one finger pointing towards the sky acknowledging St. Ann’s number one status.
