Falcons Nest - March 8th

James Franklin, Athletic Director
Spring Sports Begin!
Boys Varsity Golf 
The boys golf team was victorious Monday in their first match on a blustery day at Mid South Club. The Falcons shot a 109 (1 over par) team score to best the visiting team from High Point Christian Academy. Sophomores Jack Halloran and Andrew Hobbs both played steady and posted the low rounds for the field of even par 36. William Huntley displayed the fruits of his hard work this offseason by carding a 1 over par 37 to complete the team score of 109. Also making contributions were Max Martin and newcomer Dylan Wolfe (7th Grade), both with scores of 39. The Falcons have a full slate of highly competitive tournaments in front of them and will tee it up next at the Country Club of Salisbury in the North State High School Challenge against the top teams in the state on March 8th and 9th. 
 
Middle School Golf 
Intra-squad Match: Navy Team-173 White Team-187 
 
The O'Neal Middle School Golf Team kicked off their season in style on Thursday with an intra-squad match at Longleaf Golf Course. The White and Navy teams showcased their skills in a competitive 9-hole showdown. Zeyo Zhao led the charge with an impressive score of 38, closely followed by Natalia Henderson with 39 and Charlotte Schroen with 40. The match proved to be a great start for all players. Participants gained insights into the importance of proper warm-up routines before a match, understanding the essential items that need to be packed in their golf bags, and adapting to the pace of the game. Ultimately, the White team emerged victorious, securing a total score of 173 against the Navy team's 187. Beyond the scores on the course, the event provided a comprehensive educational platform for the O'Neal Middle School golf team, equipping them with practical knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly contribute to their growth and success in the upcoming matches. 
Next week the Falcons play Burlington Christian Academy at The Valley on Tuesday March 12th and then return home Thursday March 14th to face off against St. David’s at Longleaf Golf Course. 
 
Varsity Baseball 
 
 
 
RUNS 
HITS 
RBIs 
BB 
SO 
T 
O’Neal 
4 
3 
3 
2 
11 
T 
Trinity Durham CH 
2 
1 
1 
6 
8 
Varsity Baseball has started with three weeks of rigorous practice and preparation for a promising season. The team has been immediately challenged due to SAC schools canceling their baseball programs and staff is continually working to complete the schedule with new competition. 
 
The Falcons were able to compete on Tuesday, 27 Feb at Trinity School of Durham Chapel Hill. June Thomas pitched flawlessly allowing 1 hit and striking out 11 in 5 innings while offensively contributing with 2 hits including a double in the first. 

Jacob “Yappa” Bates delivered a single and a walk scoring the tying run in the bottom of the 5th inning when Ricky Mullis attempted a bases loaded squeeze. R. Mullis then drove in two runs on the next pitch closing out the inning with 2 RBIs and a 4-2 lead going into the 6th inning. The game was called a no-contest due to visibility, but the fight and grit of the comeback is a win for the Falcons. 
 
Middle School Baseball:  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RUNS 
 
 
HITS 
 
 
RBIs 
 
 
BB 
 
 
SO 
L 
O’Neal 
4 
0 
0 
5 
7 
W 
Cary Christian 
6 
3 
4 
6 
6  
Despite leading by as many as four runs, the O’Neal Falcons fell to Cary Christian 6-4 on Monday.   
 
Jaxon Graves, with a solid performance, opened the Falcon’s 2024 season. He allowed only one hit over two and one-third innings pitched; striking out four, walking three, and three earned runs. He was followed by Camden Harrell and later Jackson Booth. Combined, they allowed three runs before time elapsed, ultimately falling short. Ford Kuester made an outstanding play in right field. He stole a base hit by throwing out the runner at first base from the outfield in a “heads-up” play.     
  
Offensively, the Falcons were able to manufacture four runs. Christian Baker drew two walks, stole two bases, and scored one run.  Camden Harrell and Sam Taylor each drew one walk and scored one run. Owen West stole one base, scoring the team’s fourth run. Parker Maxwell also drew a walk.   
   
The Falcons play Village Christian Monday, March 11, 2024, in their first home game of the season.   

Photos by Wendy Hodges
 
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