By Cameron S.

Family School Boys Golf Team recently tried out their clubs at Tarry Brae Country Club against Fallsburg. Despite losing the Falcons have been improving, with Steve R. and Conner C. consistently cutting down on strokes every match. “Although we haven’t been winning, we have been improving day after day and in the sport of golf that’s all you can ask for,” said Steve.

Conner led the team hitting 46, with Steve close behind with a 48. Team captain, Cameron S. trailed right behind hitting a 54.

By Cameron S.

Family School students Lucas V. and Ellie H. have recently received the annual Scholar Athlete Award. This award is given to students who maintain a superior GPA while playing several sports throughout high school.

Both students attended a banquet joining other athletes from Section IX to receive the award and it was something to remember. “Getting the award reminded me of the importance of academics and I was very grateful to have been given this award,” said Lucas

Family School’s annual softball game between staff and students is just around the corner. The school is anticipating the game to be on June 14.

By RJ Oringer

The Family School students were privileged to be able to watch the first battle of the Final Four NCAA basketball tournament between Kentucky and Louisville and the first half of the Ohio and Kansas game. Since there is no cable television at the school was a tremendous treat for whoever wanted to take advantage of it. There was talk between staff and students about whether or not they would be able to watch the games. I.T. Intern Lucas Maass took the initiative and announced a sign-up for the event. The students responded with enthusiasm and nearly every sports fan raced to the sign-up.

The Final Four is the outcome of a sixty-eight team bracketed tournament where either you win or you go home. Colleges from all over the country compete in this tournament in hopes they will make it to the National Championship. The tournament became a focal point for students to rally around and express their desire to see their favorite team win. Because students at the school come from all over the country team loyalty is intense and varied.  Never the less, all the sports fan were grateful for the chance to watch the Final Four, even if their top choice teams were not involved.

The games were displayed on a projector screen in one of the classrooms. The wild crowd of sports fanatics could be heard throughout the school.

In college basketball, anything is possible, so the games could have gone either way. This was proven early in this year’s tournament when number one seed Duke lost in the first round to number fifteen seed Lehigh; one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history.

None of this would have been possible without the help of Mike Arigiros and his intern Lucass Mass. Argiros, a bit of a sports fan himself, was glad to help out and give the kids an “extra something” to look forward to. He also provided all the snacks and beverages and allowing the spectators to go to bed a little later than usual to watch some of the Ohio State and Kansas game. “It was really great to have the opportunity to watch some college basketball. I would to like thank Mike Argiros for organizing this event,” said spectator and Buckeye fan Cameron Sharp.

By Cameron S.

Powerhouse teams The Family Falcons and the Coleman Catholic Statesmen battled it out in the Section IX semifinal playoff game. After back and forth action, Coleman ended on top 64-49.

Falcons came out with a strong first quarter performance dominating both sides of the ball. Intense Falcon defense led to continuous Coleman turnovers which big man Max Wilkey turned into easy buckets scoring six of his total eight points in the first quarter. Home court advantage was not a factor at this point as the Falcons took the momentum early on. Starting point guard Bryan Lehrman added two of his own three’s to the first quarter run allowing them to pull away 20-11. But the Falcon’s momentum shifted heading into the second quarter.

Down by 11 points coming into the second quarter, the Statesmen had their work cut out for them. Coleman’s Dino Celadon #3 and Jordan Shaw #32 led the second quarter rally adding 7 points each. Coleman showed why they deserved their playoff spot. Falcon intensity was slowly dwindling as Coleman outscored them 23-12.

Starting the second half on top 34-32, Coleman came out with the same high octane play. Shaw and Celadon continued to pound the Falcon defense with shots from the paint and mid-range. Falcon confidence was nowhere to be found in this second half. Scoring only eight points to Coleman’s twenty points in the third quarter, the Falcons season was coming to an end.

The game ended with Coleman 64, Family 49. Shaw and Celadon combined for a total of 37 points. Falcon seniors Tarek Mhich and Lucas Maass combined for a total of 25 points. “Instead of being in self-pity, we made a point to be grateful for the season and realize that this was a good experience for us all,” said Falcon RJ Oringer.

By Stefan D.

 The Family Falcon’s clinched a spot in the playoffs when they beat the Roscoe Blue Devil’s 61-39.

            The Falcons came out on top in the first quarter 15-7. Falcon centers Lucas M. and Tarek M. contributed eight points while Roscoe’s forwards Mark R. and Brad D. scored seven. The Falcons controlled the entire first half with a fast-paced game that left Roscoe struggling to keep up. The Roscoe Blue Devils tried to out-work The Falcons and took few outside shots. Roscoe lost the first half 34-17 with only one three pointer scored.

            Roscoe’s Rob T. sunk eight of his team’s ten points scored in the second quarter. Roscoe lost all quarters except the third where both teams scored 13 points.

            With a solid defense the Falcon’s were able to hold Roscoe’s top scorer Taurino to five points in the third quarter and 17 for the game. Last time these teams met he scored 30 points. With Rob shut down, Rosario, Dreher, Tyler M., Mike F., and Jesse H. were able to score, but against a tough defense none could break eight points.

            As The Falcons defense consistently created turnovers their time on offense was nearly doubled. Max W. looked back in form scoring 20 points after a season riddled with injury. With a steady flow of quick, crafty passes from the guards, Lucas took advantage of his 6’4” height to score 17 points, 16 of which were scored from inside the arc.

            Connor C., Bryan L., and Mhich contributed 11 points total and Roderick O. contributed 13. Oringer stood out on the court throughout the game as his offense and defense resulted in a multiple opportunities for The Falcons. “I think RJ’s hard work motivated us to stay focused and not let the lead get to our heads,” said Falcons forward Stephen R.

            Even as the time wound down the onslaught of powerful drives by Oringer and Wilkey were unrelenting. The game ended and cheers and smiles flooded the faces of the FFS crowd. But it was all business as the Falcons returned to the locker room with their sights set on Coleman Catholic in the first round of the playoffs.

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.

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.”

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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.

By Joe T.

In the 2011 New York Sectional Championship, Carlton W. and his Falcons defeated Coleman Catholic 1-0 in a long nail biter game. Falcon right midfielder, Steve R., was the hero of the night after he blasted the final kick that secured his team’s win in a penalty kick shootout. It was a beautiful way to win; concluding a game that passed regulation time, two overtimes, and two rounds of penalty kicks. For the first time since 2009 FFS will be traveling back to Middletown this time for a regional championship.

As cliché as it sounds, any avid soccer fan would find this game to be one of the most magical competitions in the history of high school soccer. The action started immediately. Back and forth offensive mishaps kept the ball safe from scoring threats for the majority of the first half. “It was defiantly a defensive game for both teams,” said Falcon captain Roderick O. “It appeared every ball in the air was going to be a contest. They were just as hungry as us,” he said.  The first half consisted of a total of three shots on goal for both teams and very few offensive breakthroughs.

In the second half the offensive game slowly picked up. More opportunities with possession of the ball occurred, but actual scores were still absent. Falcon forward, Keith F., was shunned as one of the only few scoring threats on the night, as he had a free break away that he nailed at Coleman Goalie Josh C.’s chest. Josh’s athletic prowess enabled him to react quickly to the hard hit ball, as he easily prevented the score.

The clock ticked down to zero. Regulation time was over; both teams had no assists and no goals. Fifteen minutes of overtime was the decision in hopes to find a winner. Coleman came out in overtime owning the upper half of the field. The speedy offense drove towards Falcon territory numerous times, but the ball always bounced of the intimidating bodies of Falcon defense men Roderick, Cameron S., and Scott M.

The game was moving slow until with three minutes in sudden overtime Falcon captain Tim R. suddenly increased the excitement of the game with his superb offensive skills. After stealing the ball and racing down the field, Tim found himself jammed in the corner of the opposing team’s sideline; quickly he chucked up a kick that landed perfectly for Falcon back-up forward, Christian B.  Christian stuck his foot out, let the ball sail off his shin and fly into the back pocket of Coleman’s goal. Cheers erupted from fans. Thinking the game was over, players stormed Christian. The celebration was cut short as the referees screeched their whistle. “No goal! Off sides Family School.” Groans of agony and disappointment were heard throughout the Falcon’s fans as the clock’s time ran out, still no score.

In a regular season game, this would be declared a tie. After two overtimes and no score, but this was no regular season game; this was a sectional championship meaning only one way to decide the winner; penalty kicks. Carlton lined up his five best players to take the shots and Coleman coach, Dave G., chose the same respectively. Coleman had first licks as forward Tae Han K., lined up for the first shot. The missile kick raced past the stunned Max W. leaving Coleman the first on the board. It was now FFS’ turn. Roderick lined up and repeated the exact same act drilling the ball by Josh.

Keith and Coleman’s Marco D. missed their next kicks continuing the 1-1 tie. The next three kickers for Coleman secured their kicks and the so did FFS. It was up to Tim to keep the game alive. “If I missed that shot it was over. It would not win us the game, but it would cause another over time,” said Tim. “I knew I had to make this shot to keep us alive.” He lined up, started his run to the ball, stuck back all his weight, and delivered a perfectly aimed ball that sailed into the net.

Three types of overtime had not determined a winner. This was becoming the game that would not end. Another round of penalty kicks had to take place. In sudden death penalty kicks the first team to take a lead by one goal would be declared the winner. Coleman’s backup, Nicholas C. aimed high and missed the shot. The Falcons could win as long as they made their kick. Steve R. felt the pressure, the excitement, the eagerness to be crowned champ.

“I was terrified, I won’t lie. This was big,” Steve said. He buried a beautiful kick right over Josh’s head. It was over. A year ago if you were to travel to Middletown High School, you would see The Family Foundation’s Boys soccer team. They would be walking off the field with their heads hung low after suffering a devastating 3-0 loss. Now this year, in the exact same spot, the exact same day, FFS is in a dog pile, on top of each other, chanting at the top of their lungs, “We’re number one, we’re number one!”