Falcons Nest - March 29
The Falcons head into Spring Break ready for recovery but excited to return and compete!
Middle School Baseball:
RUNS | HITS | RBIs | BB | SO | ||
W | O’Neal | 22 | 13 | 19 | 10 | 3 |
L | Freedom Christian | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
Jaxon Graves and Liam Enslin combine for a one hit – one run game against Freedom Christian Academy. Jaxon struck out five hitters and demonstrated command of his pitches during the encounter. Enslin pitched one inning, shutting down the side on only 11 pitches, striking out one. Falcon pitchers did allow any walks.
The bats remain hot! Christian Baker led the charge with three hits and four runs batted in. Camden Harrell, Owen West, and Jackson Booth collected two hits. Booth also knocked in three runs. West, Harrell, Kaiden Taveras, and Jacob Bullock drove in two runs. Taveras and Bullock each scored three runs. This is the second consecutive game in which the Falcons compiled 19 RBIs against their opponents. Baker connected two doubles and West connected one.
Taveras, Parker Fusonie, Enslin, and Bullock each had one hit. The Falcons totaled 13 hits and remain steadfast as we pause for Spring Break. Falcon MS Baseball picks back up against Berean Baptist Academy on April 8, 2024.
Varsity Baseball:
RUNS | HITS | RBIs | BB | SO | ||
L | O’Neal | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
W | Cary Christian | 8 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 |
O’Neal Falcons were defeated 8-1 in a non-conference match against 3A CCA on Monday. Despite a tight baseball game through 5 innings, pitching paved the way to O’Neal’s second loss in non-conference play.
Jacob Shepherd started on the mound pitching and kept the Falcons within 1 run for 3 innings, striking out 6 batters and allowing 3 hits.
Jacob Bates pitched 2 flawless innings striking out 3 batters and allowing only 1 hit. 6 late inning walks and Joey Wade came in relief to get out of the inning.
Bates continues to lead the batting line up going 2 for 3 with an RBI. Ricky Mullis, June Thomas, and Jake Shepherd each had hits on the day.
The Falcons go into spring break and will be on the road 4 of the next 5 games starting 9APR vs Northwood Temple Academy.
Middle School Girls Soccer:
O’Neal vs. St. Patrick’s School – Final Score: 6-2, W
The Middle School Girls Soccer team continued their strong season with two victories this week. On Monday, St. Patrick’s presented an initial challenge, fending off multiple attacks by the Falcons until the girls broke through midway through the first half. This opened the floodgates as the Falcon’s proceeded to score six goals in total while holding St. Patrick’s to only two shots. Spacing was a key factor in their success as O’Neal moved the ball quickly to keep the St. Patrick’s defense off balance.
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy – Final Score: 3-0, W
The scoring continued Tuesday, when the Falcons faced Freedom Christian. In a physical game, the girls showcased exceptional teamwork. They supported each other with consistent positive communication and encouragement. Freedom Christian packed defenders into the 18-yard box which made it difficult to get clean shots off, but ultimately O’Neal found openings to exploit and snuck three shots past the goalkeeper. O’Neal’s defense was once again stout, preventing any attacks from forming and making it a quiet day for our goalkeepers.
Varsity Girls Soccer:
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy – Final Score: 8-0, W
O’Neal @ Berean Baptist Academy – Final Score: 10-0, W
In major soccer tournaments among professionals, often two teams will play two matches against the same team, one at home and one away. The winner of the tie is determined by their aggregate goals across both legs of the match. While this is not the semi-finals of the UEFA Champion’s League, O’Neal ended up in a similar situation playing Berean Baptist Academy twice this week, first at home and then away. The falcons won on aggregate 18-0.
Between the two games, twelve different Falcons had at least one goal contribution (a goal or an assist), including first time goals for Christina Acker and goalkeeper Ava Vonderkall. Charli Bunder added a whopping 7 goals and 3 assists to her season total this week, 6 of which came from set plays. Others had multiple contributions as well: Jaleesa Eichel had 3 goals and 2 assists, Hadassah Niswender scored twice, Allie Webb tallied 1 goal and 3 assists, and Jordin Reed had a goal and an assist each. Goal scorers were rounded out with a goal a piece by freshmen Emeli Michael, and Gianna Maheu. Chesley Lucas, Kennedi Hamner, and Victoria York all had an assist as well.
As you can see, the 18-0 thrashing was a full team effort. Every player, no matter how new, saw significant playing time, and everyone helped propel the team to success even if they didn’t register an official goal contribution. Part of the point of two-leg ties in the professional world is to make absolutely sure the best team moves on, and one win wasn’t a fluke. This week the falcons proved themselves capable of winning no matter who is on the field.
O’Neal will travel to Freedom Christian School on Thursday 3/28. Hopefully the winner of the match won’t be the enemy of all soccer players across the globe, ‘waterlogged pitch.’ The team will take a rest during spring break and will be back in action on Tuesday 4/9 and Friday 4/12 travelling to Northwood Temple and Village Christian respectively.
Middle School Golf:
Despite weather disruptions and a shortened week due to spring break, the O'Neal Middle School golf team remained resilient, managing to squeeze in two valuable practice sessions. While inclement weather thwarted a scheduled golf match, the team maintains an optimistic outlook, eagerly anticipating a well-deserved period of rest over the break. With renewed energy and determination, they aim to return stronger than ever, poised to finish the season on a high note.
Despite weather disruptions and a shortened week due to spring break, the O'Neal Middle School golf team remained resilient, managing to squeeze in two valuable practice sessions. While inclement weather thwarted a scheduled golf match, the team maintains an optimistic outlook, eagerly anticipating a well-deserved period of rest over the break. With renewed energy and determination, they aim to return stronger than ever, poised to finish the season on a high note.
Events Next Two Weeks 3/29 - 4/12:
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME | DISMISS | DEPART |
THU | 4/4/2024 | Durham County Stadium | Track and Field | AWAY | 3:00 PM | 11:45 AM | 12:00 PM |
MON | 4/8/2024 | Berean Baptist | MSGSOC | AWAY | 4:00 PM | 1:45 PM | 2:00 PM |
MON | 4/8/2024 | Berean Baptist | MSBASE | AWAY | 6:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 3:45 PM |
MON | 4/8/2024 | Fayetteville Academy | BTN | AWAY | 3:30 PM | 1:00 PM | 1:15 PM |
MON | 4/8/2024 | Fayetteville Academy | BASE | AWAY | 3:30 PM | 1:00 PM | 1:15 PM |
TUE | 4/9/2024 | Grace of Sanford Quail Ridge 9 holes | BGOLF | AWAY | 3:00 PM | 12:45 PM | 1:00 PM |
TUE | 4/9/2024 | Northwood Temple Academy | GSOC | AWAY | 4:00 PM | 1:30 PM | 1:45 PM |
TUE | 4/9/2024 | Northwood Temple Academy | BASE | AWAY | 4:00 PM | 1:30 PM | 1:45 PM |
THU | 4/11/2024 | BCA at Longleaf | MSGOLF | HOME | 3:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 2:15 PM |
THU | 4/11/2024 | BCA at Longleaf | MSGOLF | HOME | 3:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 2:15 PM |
THU | 4/11/2024 | Village Christian | MSGSOC | AWAY | 4:00 PM | 1:45 PM | 2:00 PM |
THU | 4/11/2024 | Village Christian | MSBASE | AWAY | 4:00 PM | 1:30 PM | 1:45 PM |
FRI | 4/12/2024 | BCA | BTN | HOME | 3:30 PM | 2:00 PM | NA |
FRI | 4/12/2024 | Village Christian Academy | GSOC | AWAY | 4:00 PM | 1:30 PM | 1:45 PM |
FRI | 4/12/2024 | Village Christian Academy | BASE | AWAY | 4:00 PM | 1:30 PM | 1:45 PM |
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