Falcons Nest - April 3
A weekly recap of O'Neal Athletics
MS Co-Ed and Varsity Boys Golf
The O’Neal Falcons boys golf team delivered a strong performance this week, capturing a convincing victory in a four-team match at King’s Grant Country Club in Fayetteville. Competing over nine holes, the Falcons posted a team score of 159 (+19), finishing nine strokes ahead of runner-up Trinity Academy (168, +28). Thales Academy (Apex) followed with a 196 (+56), and Thales Academy (Rolesville) rounded out the field at 199 (+59).
Leading the way for O’Neal was Sam Sandhu, who earned medalist honors with an even-par 35. Close behind was Luke Valkovics with a 1-over 36, giving the Falcons a strong one-two finish at the top of the leaderboard. Additional scoring efforts came from Will Simmons (43), Charles Monroe (44), Timothy Hu (44), and Andrew Hobbs (49), showcasing the team’s depth and consistency.
Later in the week, the program shifted gears for a fun and competitive intra-team event at Legacy Golf Club, bringing together both middle school and varsity players for the inaugural Spring Fling Scramble. The winning team, captained by Charlie Monroe, included Will Simmons, Johnny Berry, and Hughes Scogin. The group turned in an impressive 5-under par performance over the six-hole event, highlighting both skill and camaraderie across the program.
The O’Neal Falcons boys golf team delivered a strong performance this week, capturing a convincing victory in a four-team match at King’s Grant Country Club in Fayetteville. Competing over nine holes, the Falcons posted a team score of 159 (+19), finishing nine strokes ahead of runner-up Trinity Academy (168, +28). Thales Academy (Apex) followed with a 196 (+56), and Thales Academy (Rolesville) rounded out the field at 199 (+59).
Leading the way for O’Neal was Sam Sandhu, who earned medalist honors with an even-par 35. Close behind was Luke Valkovics with a 1-over 36, giving the Falcons a strong one-two finish at the top of the leaderboard. Additional scoring efforts came from Will Simmons (43), Charles Monroe (44), Timothy Hu (44), and Andrew Hobbs (49), showcasing the team’s depth and consistency.
Later in the week, the program shifted gears for a fun and competitive intra-team event at Legacy Golf Club, bringing together both middle school and varsity players for the inaugural Spring Fling Scramble. The winning team, captained by Charlie Monroe, included Will Simmons, Johnny Berry, and Hughes Scogin. The group turned in an impressive 5-under par performance over the six-hole event, highlighting both skill and camaraderie across the program.
Varsity Boys Tennis
O'Neal vs. Faith Christian: Final 1-8, Loss
The Falcons traveled to Rocky Mount on Tuesday, March 31, to face Faith Christian in a hard-fought matchup. The team battled through several long, competitive matches, showing resilience across the lineup.
At line two singles, Will French delivered the Falcons’ lone victory of the day, earning an impressive win over a senior opponent in a tightly contested second-set tiebreaker. His composure in key moments proved to be a highlight for the team.
In doubles play, the Falcons came close to adding another point, with the number one doubles team fighting hard before falling 5–8 in a competitive match.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian School: Final 9-0, Win
The Falcons returned home on Thursday, April 2, and delivered a dominant performance in conference play, sweeping both doubles and singles competition. From the start, the team set the tone with strong, confident play across all lines in doubles, securing straight-set victories throughout the match. Ethan Kim and Johannes Pester delivered a strong performance at line 2. Jacob Lian and Elliot Means played well, soaring to an 8-1 victory at line 3.
Leading the way in singles was Nathan Reifenstahl at line one, who put together an impressive performance against a tough opponent. His consistency and control helped anchor the Falcons’ success on the day. Harrison O'Connor at line 3 endured a tough opponent and some long rallies to earn an impressive 6-2, 6-0 victory.
With the decisive win, the Falcons head into spring break on a high note, carrying momentum and confidence from a complete team effort.
O'Neal vs. Faith Christian: Final 1-8, Loss
The Falcons traveled to Rocky Mount on Tuesday, March 31, to face Faith Christian in a hard-fought matchup. The team battled through several long, competitive matches, showing resilience across the lineup.
At line two singles, Will French delivered the Falcons’ lone victory of the day, earning an impressive win over a senior opponent in a tightly contested second-set tiebreaker. His composure in key moments proved to be a highlight for the team.
In doubles play, the Falcons came close to adding another point, with the number one doubles team fighting hard before falling 5–8 in a competitive match.
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian School: Final 9-0, Win
The Falcons returned home on Thursday, April 2, and delivered a dominant performance in conference play, sweeping both doubles and singles competition. From the start, the team set the tone with strong, confident play across all lines in doubles, securing straight-set victories throughout the match. Ethan Kim and Johannes Pester delivered a strong performance at line 2. Jacob Lian and Elliot Means played well, soaring to an 8-1 victory at line 3.
Leading the way in singles was Nathan Reifenstahl at line one, who put together an impressive performance against a tough opponent. His consistency and control helped anchor the Falcons’ success on the day. Harrison O'Connor at line 3 endured a tough opponent and some long rallies to earn an impressive 6-2, 6-0 victory.
With the decisive win, the Falcons head into spring break on a high note, carrying momentum and confidence from a complete team effort.
Track & Field
This weekend, the O’Neal Track & Field team traveled to neighboring Union Pines High School to compete in the annual Viking Relay meet. With many high school athletes taking practice exams, the team was smaller than usual, but those who attended made the most of the opportunity. Four athletes competed in the long jump—some for the first time—showcasing the versatility and spirit of track and field as athletes step into new events. O’Neal also had a strong middle school showing in the open races hosted by Union Pines, with Muirenn Matthews, Abigail Holroyd, Lucy Emond, Jordan Caretti, Ella Marino, Cash Davies, and Thomas Caretti running the 100m dash, while Hunter Monroe, David Risseeuw, and Axel Schuerger competed in the 1600m. Despite windy conditions, the athletes had a great time competing and representing O’Neal.
MS Baseball
O'Neal vs. Northwood Temple: 6-10, L
O'Neal vs. Northwood Temple: 6-10, L
On March 30th, The O’Neal School showed late fight but ultimately fell 10–6 to Northwood Temple after mounting a spirited comeback attempt in the final inning, rallying from a 10–1 deficit to close the gap. Charlie Boreland contributed at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a single, an RBI, and three stolen bases, while Eason Hodgkins reached base twice, finishing 1-for-1 with a hit-by-pitch, a single, and a stolen base. On the mound, Boreland struck out four batters and allowed just one hit and one earned run, though control issues led to seven walks in the outing.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School 12-13, L
On April 1st, a late-game slip cost The O’Neal School in a 13–12 loss to Fayetteville Christian School after holding a commanding 12–6 lead with just one out remaining. Despite the heartbreaking finish, O’Neal delivered an impressive offensive performance, highlighted by Charlie Boreland’s 2-for-3 outing with two singles, an RBI, and three stolen bases. Oliver Gabor also went 2-for-3, driving in three runs with a double and a single, while Eason Hodgkins powered the lineup with a home run and a single, finishing 2-for-3 with three RBIs. On the mound, Boreland recorded two strikeouts but allowed seven hits and six runs (four earned), while Gabor provided a strong relief effort, striking out five batters over 1.2 innings and retiring five of the final six outs in near-perfect fashion.
Varsity Boys Baseball
The O’Neal Falcons varsity baseball team put together an impressive week, earning back-to-back wins with strong performances on both the mound and at the plate.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple: 7-3, W
In a victory over Northwood Temple, the Falcons were powered by a standout outing from Joey Wade, who delivered his best performance of the season. Wade was dominant on the mound, striking out 11 batters over 6.2 innings while allowing just one earned run and consistently keeping hitters off balance. Offensively, Liam Enslin led the charge with a perfect 3-3 day at the plate, driving in three runs and setting the tone for the lineup. Wade also contributed two hits, helping his own cause, while Charlie Borland, Oliver Gabor, and Parker Fusonie each crossed the plate. The Falcons played with energy and urgency throughout, securing a much-needed win with a complete team effort.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School: 4-1, W
The O’Neal Falcons varsity baseball team put together an impressive week, earning back-to-back wins with strong performances on both the mound and at the plate.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple: 7-3, W
In a victory over Northwood Temple, the Falcons were powered by a standout outing from Joey Wade, who delivered his best performance of the season. Wade was dominant on the mound, striking out 11 batters over 6.2 innings while allowing just one earned run and consistently keeping hitters off balance. Offensively, Liam Enslin led the charge with a perfect 3-3 day at the plate, driving in three runs and setting the tone for the lineup. Wade also contributed two hits, helping his own cause, while Charlie Borland, Oliver Gabor, and Parker Fusonie each crossed the plate. The Falcons played with energy and urgency throughout, securing a much-needed win with a complete team effort.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School: 4-1, W
The momentum carried into their next game, a win over Fayetteville Christian, where Enslin took center stage. Enslin was dominant from start to finish, throwing a complete game and allowing just one run on four hits while racking up an incredible 16 strikeouts. His command and composure set the tone early and never wavered. He also led the offense with two hits, continuing his strong all-around performance. Oliver Gabor, Joseph Lucas, and Joey Wade added hits to support the effort as the Falcons executed in key moments to secure the win.
With two strong victories to close out the stretch, the Falcons head into Spring Break with confidence and momentum. They’ll return to action on April 13 as they travel to Berean Baptist Academy for a 6 pm first pitch.
With two strong victories to close out the stretch, the Falcons head into Spring Break with confidence and momentum. They’ll return to action on April 13 as they travel to Berean Baptist Academy for a 6 pm first pitch.
MS Girls Soccer
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian – 3-0, W
The Falcons opened the week with a strong performance at home, earning a 3-0 victory over Freedom Christian. The defense held firm to secure the shutout, while the attack capitalized on opportunities to build a comfortable lead. It was a complete team effort and a confident way to start the week.
O’Neal at Northwood Temple – 1-0, W
On the road, the Falcons battled to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Northwood Temple. In a tightly contested match, the girls showed resilience and determination, finding a way to come out on top in a defensive battle. The lone goal proved to be the difference, while the defense and goalkeeper combined for another shutout. It was a gritty performance that highlighted the team’s ability to compete and win in challenging conditions.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian – PK Loss
Closing out the week, the Falcons faced Fayetteville Christian in a hard-fought match that ultimately went to penalty kicks. The girls played with tremendous heart and intensity, matching their opponent throughout regulation and demonstrating their growth and toughness as a team. Though the result did not fall their way, the effort and resilience on display were evident from start to finish. It was a competitive battle that showcased the team’s character and left plenty to build on moving forward.
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian – 3-0, W
The Falcons opened the week with a strong performance at home, earning a 3-0 victory over Freedom Christian. The defense held firm to secure the shutout, while the attack capitalized on opportunities to build a comfortable lead. It was a complete team effort and a confident way to start the week.
O’Neal at Northwood Temple – 1-0, W
On the road, the Falcons battled to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Northwood Temple. In a tightly contested match, the girls showed resilience and determination, finding a way to come out on top in a defensive battle. The lone goal proved to be the difference, while the defense and goalkeeper combined for another shutout. It was a gritty performance that highlighted the team’s ability to compete and win in challenging conditions.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian – PK Loss
Closing out the week, the Falcons faced Fayetteville Christian in a hard-fought match that ultimately went to penalty kicks. The girls played with tremendous heart and intensity, matching their opponent throughout regulation and demonstrating their growth and toughness as a team. Though the result did not fall their way, the effort and resilience on display were evident from start to finish. It was a competitive battle that showcased the team’s character and left plenty to build on moving forward.
Varsity Girls Soccer
O’Neal at Northwood Temple: 4-0, W
The Falcons traveled to Northwood Temple on Tuesday and came away with a 4-0 win on one of the more unique fields they’ll see all season, playing on a noticeable incline that always presents an added challenge. Despite playing downhill in the first half, O’Neal managed just one goal before finding their rhythm in the second half while attacking uphill.
The scoring was led by the senior and 8th grade forward duo of Jordin Reed and Haddie Habets, who connected multiple times throughout the match. The first goal came when Reed sent a ball into the box that the keeper got a hand on, but Habets reacted quickly to the rebound and finished. Habets later found herself in a 1v1 with the keeper and showed great awareness, playing a pass back to Abigail Schupp who calmly placed it into the far post. Reed added a goal of her own after using her speed to get in behind the defense and finish in a 1v1 opportunity. Habets capped off the scoring with her second goal, getting a touch on a Reed pass in a crowded box and sending it past both the defense and keeper.
The shutout effort also allowed 7th grader Kayla McWhinney to make her varsity debut in goal. While she will primarily focus on middle school this season, she stepped in for varsity keeper Laura Schulze and gained valuable minutes ahead of her first full varsity start.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian: 0-2, L
The Falcons’ second match of the week looked very different, as they took the field without five players due to illness and early spring break travel. Despite being short-handed and limited on substitutions, the team competed with relentless intensity for the full 80 minutes.
Players were asked to step into new roles and adjust formations on the fly, and they responded with determination and grit. The sideline energy remained high, with substitutes fully engaged and supporting every moment on the field. A standout performance came from McWhinney in goal, whose vocal leadership and presence helped organize the defense and keep the team focused throughout the match.
While the result didn’t fall in the Falcons’ favor, the effort and adaptability on display spoke volumes. The group proved that, when at full strength, they will be a formidable opponent, and Fayetteville Christian can expect a much different challenge when the teams meet again in conference tournament play.
O’Neal at Northwood Temple: 4-0, W
The Falcons traveled to Northwood Temple on Tuesday and came away with a 4-0 win on one of the more unique fields they’ll see all season, playing on a noticeable incline that always presents an added challenge. Despite playing downhill in the first half, O’Neal managed just one goal before finding their rhythm in the second half while attacking uphill.
The scoring was led by the senior and 8th grade forward duo of Jordin Reed and Haddie Habets, who connected multiple times throughout the match. The first goal came when Reed sent a ball into the box that the keeper got a hand on, but Habets reacted quickly to the rebound and finished. Habets later found herself in a 1v1 with the keeper and showed great awareness, playing a pass back to Abigail Schupp who calmly placed it into the far post. Reed added a goal of her own after using her speed to get in behind the defense and finish in a 1v1 opportunity. Habets capped off the scoring with her second goal, getting a touch on a Reed pass in a crowded box and sending it past both the defense and keeper.
The shutout effort also allowed 7th grader Kayla McWhinney to make her varsity debut in goal. While she will primarily focus on middle school this season, she stepped in for varsity keeper Laura Schulze and gained valuable minutes ahead of her first full varsity start.
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian: 0-2, L
The Falcons’ second match of the week looked very different, as they took the field without five players due to illness and early spring break travel. Despite being short-handed and limited on substitutions, the team competed with relentless intensity for the full 80 minutes.
Players were asked to step into new roles and adjust formations on the fly, and they responded with determination and grit. The sideline energy remained high, with substitutes fully engaged and supporting every moment on the field. A standout performance came from McWhinney in goal, whose vocal leadership and presence helped organize the defense and keep the team focused throughout the match.
While the result didn’t fall in the Falcons’ favor, the effort and adaptability on display spoke volumes. The group proved that, when at full strength, they will be a formidable opponent, and Fayetteville Christian can expect a much different challenge when the teams meet again in conference tournament play.
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