Falcons Nest - May 1
A weekly recap of O'Neal Athletics.
MS Girls Soccer – Sandhills Athletic Conference Champions!
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Academy 2-0, W
The Middle School girls soccer team defeated Fayetteville Academy on Tuesday to advance to the championship game. The Falcons’ defense was outstanding, preventing any dangerous scoring opportunities, while the midfield and forwards applied consistent pressure throughout the match. O’Neal created multiple chances and fought through physical defending to secure the win.
O’Neal vs Village Christian Academy 3-0, W
The Falcons captured the league championship with a victory over Village Christian. Once again, the defense was dominant, shutting down all scoring threats, while the midfield and forwards controlled the game with steady pressure. O’Neal generated numerous scoring opportunities and capitalized to put the game away.
With such a young team, the girls relied on effort, technical skill, and organization to overpower their older opponents. It was a fantastic season, with many players stepping into new roles and continuing to grow together as a team.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Academy 2-0, W
The Middle School girls soccer team defeated Fayetteville Academy on Tuesday to advance to the championship game. The Falcons’ defense was outstanding, preventing any dangerous scoring opportunities, while the midfield and forwards applied consistent pressure throughout the match. O’Neal created multiple chances and fought through physical defending to secure the win.
O’Neal vs Village Christian Academy 3-0, W
The Falcons captured the league championship with a victory over Village Christian. Once again, the defense was dominant, shutting down all scoring threats, while the midfield and forwards controlled the game with steady pressure. O’Neal generated numerous scoring opportunities and capitalized to put the game away.
With such a young team, the girls relied on effort, technical skill, and organization to overpower their older opponents. It was a fantastic season, with many players stepping into new roles and continuing to grow together as a team.
Varsity Track & Field
The O’Neal Track & Field team hosted its first annual Falcon Invitational at Union Pines High School this week, creating an exciting opportunity to compete against both conference opponents and strong teams from outside the conference. While a great deal of work went into organizing the meet, it quickly proved worthwhile as the athletes rose to the occasion. Out of 25 athletes, 18 recorded personal bests—a direct reflection of the team’s commitment through long workouts, hot spring practices, and consistent repetition in training. The meet also gave middle school athletes (grades 6–8) a valuable chance to compete, and they made the most of it.
Standout performances included 6th grader Axel Shuerger placing 2nd in the middle school mile, Cash Davies taking 7th in the 100m, and Casen Dowd making an impressive season debut by winning the middle school discus by over three feet and placing 7th overall against both middle and high school competitors. The meet concluded on a high note with the boys 4x400 relay team securing a first-place finish, capping off a successful and memorable inaugural event for the Falcons.
The O’Neal Track & Field team hosted its first annual Falcon Invitational at Union Pines High School this week, creating an exciting opportunity to compete against both conference opponents and strong teams from outside the conference. While a great deal of work went into organizing the meet, it quickly proved worthwhile as the athletes rose to the occasion. Out of 25 athletes, 18 recorded personal bests—a direct reflection of the team’s commitment through long workouts, hot spring practices, and consistent repetition in training. The meet also gave middle school athletes (grades 6–8) a valuable chance to compete, and they made the most of it.
Standout performances included 6th grader Axel Shuerger placing 2nd in the middle school mile, Cash Davies taking 7th in the 100m, and Casen Dowd making an impressive season debut by winning the middle school discus by over three feet and placing 7th overall against both middle and high school competitors. The meet concluded on a high note with the boys 4x400 relay team securing a first-place finish, capping off a successful and memorable inaugural event for the Falcons.
Varsity Girls Soccer – Sandhills Athletic Conference Runners-Up
The Falcons battled through a demanding postseason run this week, facing Northwood Temple Eagles in the quarterfinals, Berean Baptist Bulldogs in the semifinals, and Fayetteville Christian Warriors in the championship match.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple Academy 4-1, W
In the quarterfinal matchup against Northwood Temple, O’Neal found their rhythm early in the first half. Just six minutes in, Sydney Davis played a perfectly weighted through ball to Jordin Reed, who quickly connected with Lilly Hobson on the left side. Hobson delivered a composed finish that soared into the back of the net. Just two minutes later, she struck again, finding a gap in the defense and sending another shot over the keeper’s head to secure a 2-0 advantage. The Falcons continued to create chances, highlighted by a sequence where Haddie Habets went 1v1 with the keeper. After a scramble that included a backheel attempt from Reed off the post, Habets followed through to finish. Another strong combination came off a throw-in from Abigail Schupp, with Habets heading the ball back to Abigail, who found Reed for a clean finish.
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy 6-1, W
In the semifinal against Berean Baptist, the Falcons came out firing. From the opening whistle, they controlled the tempo, connected passes with confidence, and played with a looseness that allowed them to be creative and dangerous in the attack.
Hobson set the tone just 30 seconds in, finding the back of the net early and immediately putting pressure on the Bulldogs. That composure carried throughout the match as the Falcons consistently built through the midfield, spreading the field and finding seams in the defense. Habets stepped in to disrupt a short goal kick and quickly connected with Reed for the second goal. Kennedi Hamner carried the ball forward with purpose and found Hobson centrally, who slipped a perfectly timed pass through to Reed for another finish.
Defensively, the Falcons stayed organized and composed, shutting down opportunities before they could develop. Hamner’s clearance on a Bulldog corner sparked another attacking moment, with Habets beating the back line and finishing 1v1 with the keeper.
The Falcons continued to apply pressure throughout the match, winning second balls, maintaining possession, and keeping Berean on their heels. Kat Davis attacked the Bulldogs back line with a dominant presence and capitalized during a scramble in front of the goal to add another score. The final goal came from an Schupp throw-in that found Hobson, who calmly placed her shot over the keeper.
Overall, it was a match where the Falcons dictated play from start to finish, combining sharp passing, strong defensive organization, and a confident attacking mindset.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School 1-6, L
Facing Fayetteville Christian in the finals, the Falcons entered the match tired from two games and short on numbers. Despite the adversity, the team showed resilience and determination, managing limited substitutions while maintaining pressure throughout the game. A key moment came when the Warriors’ keeper handled the ball outside the box, giving the Falcons a crucial opportunity. Hobson capitalized, striking a beautiful ball from the left edge of the 18 to the top right corner for the team’s lone goal of the night. Habets applied relentless pressure on the defense and created multiple chances but was often forced to take on opportunities solo.
The Falcons finished the season as both regular season and tournament runners-up, a testament to their grit and consistency. All-Conference honors were awarded to Haddie Habets, Sydney Davis, Kennedi Hamner, and Jordin Reed for their outstanding performances throughout the season.
The Falcons battled through a demanding postseason run this week, facing Northwood Temple Eagles in the quarterfinals, Berean Baptist Bulldogs in the semifinals, and Fayetteville Christian Warriors in the championship match.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple Academy 4-1, W
In the quarterfinal matchup against Northwood Temple, O’Neal found their rhythm early in the first half. Just six minutes in, Sydney Davis played a perfectly weighted through ball to Jordin Reed, who quickly connected with Lilly Hobson on the left side. Hobson delivered a composed finish that soared into the back of the net. Just two minutes later, she struck again, finding a gap in the defense and sending another shot over the keeper’s head to secure a 2-0 advantage. The Falcons continued to create chances, highlighted by a sequence where Haddie Habets went 1v1 with the keeper. After a scramble that included a backheel attempt from Reed off the post, Habets followed through to finish. Another strong combination came off a throw-in from Abigail Schupp, with Habets heading the ball back to Abigail, who found Reed for a clean finish.
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy 6-1, W
In the semifinal against Berean Baptist, the Falcons came out firing. From the opening whistle, they controlled the tempo, connected passes with confidence, and played with a looseness that allowed them to be creative and dangerous in the attack.
Hobson set the tone just 30 seconds in, finding the back of the net early and immediately putting pressure on the Bulldogs. That composure carried throughout the match as the Falcons consistently built through the midfield, spreading the field and finding seams in the defense. Habets stepped in to disrupt a short goal kick and quickly connected with Reed for the second goal. Kennedi Hamner carried the ball forward with purpose and found Hobson centrally, who slipped a perfectly timed pass through to Reed for another finish.
Defensively, the Falcons stayed organized and composed, shutting down opportunities before they could develop. Hamner’s clearance on a Bulldog corner sparked another attacking moment, with Habets beating the back line and finishing 1v1 with the keeper.
The Falcons continued to apply pressure throughout the match, winning second balls, maintaining possession, and keeping Berean on their heels. Kat Davis attacked the Bulldogs back line with a dominant presence and capitalized during a scramble in front of the goal to add another score. The final goal came from an Schupp throw-in that found Hobson, who calmly placed her shot over the keeper.
Overall, it was a match where the Falcons dictated play from start to finish, combining sharp passing, strong defensive organization, and a confident attacking mindset.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School 1-6, L
Facing Fayetteville Christian in the finals, the Falcons entered the match tired from two games and short on numbers. Despite the adversity, the team showed resilience and determination, managing limited substitutions while maintaining pressure throughout the game. A key moment came when the Warriors’ keeper handled the ball outside the box, giving the Falcons a crucial opportunity. Hobson capitalized, striking a beautiful ball from the left edge of the 18 to the top right corner for the team’s lone goal of the night. Habets applied relentless pressure on the defense and created multiple chances but was often forced to take on opportunities solo.
The Falcons finished the season as both regular season and tournament runners-up, a testament to their grit and consistency. All-Conference honors were awarded to Haddie Habets, Sydney Davis, Kennedi Hamner, and Jordin Reed for their outstanding performances throughout the season.
Varsity Boys Tennis – Sandhills Athletic Conference Runners-Up
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Academy 4-5, L
The Falcons varsity tennis team entered Thursday’s Sandhills Athletic Conference finals, riding the momentum of a focused and productive week of practice. The team worked on sharpening both singles and doubles play while emphasizing serving precision in the days leading up to the finals.
Taking on Fayetteville Academy, the Falcons showed marked improvement from previous matchups this season and pushed their conference rivals in a tightly contested final. Knowing the importance of doubles, the Falcons secured a key point at line 2, where Will French and Nathan Reifenstahl delivered a clutch victory to keep the team within striking distance.
The match shifted to singles play with the Falcons needing four wins to claim the title. Jacob Lian stepped up at line 6 with a determined performance, while Will French continued his standout day by adding another win at line 2. Joseph Lucas held the advantage in his second set, but Fayetteville Academy ultimately clinched the championship with a win at line 1.
Though the Falcons fell just short, their performance reflected the growth and resilience built throughout the season, earning them a conference runner-up finish. With postseason play ahead, the team now sets its sights on making a strong run in the state competition next week.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Academy 4-5, L
The Falcons varsity tennis team entered Thursday’s Sandhills Athletic Conference finals, riding the momentum of a focused and productive week of practice. The team worked on sharpening both singles and doubles play while emphasizing serving precision in the days leading up to the finals.
Taking on Fayetteville Academy, the Falcons showed marked improvement from previous matchups this season and pushed their conference rivals in a tightly contested final. Knowing the importance of doubles, the Falcons secured a key point at line 2, where Will French and Nathan Reifenstahl delivered a clutch victory to keep the team within striking distance.
The match shifted to singles play with the Falcons needing four wins to claim the title. Jacob Lian stepped up at line 6 with a determined performance, while Will French continued his standout day by adding another win at line 2. Joseph Lucas held the advantage in his second set, but Fayetteville Academy ultimately clinched the championship with a win at line 1.
Though the Falcons fell just short, their performance reflected the growth and resilience built throughout the season, earning them a conference runner-up finish. With postseason play ahead, the team now sets its sights on making a strong run in the state competition next week.
Varsity Boys Baseball
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy 22-3, W
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy 22-3, W
O'Neal Varsity Falcons defeated Berean Baptist Academy 22-3 on Monday thanks in part to 14 runs in the third inning. The Falcons piled up 10 hits in the game. Parker Fusonie, Joey Wade, Liam Enslin, and Joseph Lucas each collected two hits for O'Neal Varsity Falcons. Peter Sundborg and Oliver Gabor each drove in three runs for O'Neal Varsity Falcons. O'Neal had a strong eye at the plate, amassing eight walks for the game. Fusonie, Gabor, and Bingham Winslow led the team with two free passes each. It was the most runs the Falcons scored and came at a good time in conference playoffs.
O’Neal vs Village Christian Academy 3-8, L
Joseph Wade led things off on the hill for O'Neal Varsity Falcons. The pitcher allowed six hits and eight runs (three earned) over six innings, striking out seven and walking one. Liam Enslin led the Falcons with one run batted in. The cleanup hitter went 2-for-4 on the day. Oliver Gabor and Enslin each collected two hits for O'Neal. There is good momentum heading into state playoffs next Tuesday.
The Falcons await the schedule posted on Saturday evening to potentially host a playoff game. Be sure to support your Falcons as they try to make a run in the playoffs!
Hi Res Photos by Wendy Hodges | The Pines Media
Hi Res Photos by Wendy Hodges | The Pines Media
Falcons Athletics Next Week: 5/1/26-5/8/26
State Playoff Information will be released over the weekend; check the school’s calendar for more details
State Playoff Information will be released over the weekend; check the school’s calendar for more details
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 5/4/2026 | Golf Senior Night | BGOLF | Talamore | 4:00PM |
TUE | 5/5/2026 | States Round 1 | BASE/BTN/GSOC | TBD | |
WED | 5/6/2026 | Conference Championship | T&F | AWAY | 4:00PM |
THU | 5/7/2026 | States Round 2 | BASE/BTN/GSOC | TBD | |
SAT | 5/9/2026 | States Round 3 | BASE/BTN/GSOC | TBD |
The O'Neal School
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
© The O'Neal School