Field Splits Double Dip in Tiger Town
Massillon, OH- The Field Falcons Girls Flag Football team continued their opening weekend in Massillon on Sunday morning at historic Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. After a scheduled double header on Friday evening that ended up being only one game thanks to a forfeit by Barberton, the Falcons set their sights on their first ‘earned’ victory of the young season. Following the forfeit and a loss on Friday evening, the Falcons sat at 1-1 in the standings but had yet to taste the sweet taste of victory on the gridiron through the hard work and effort that they have been practicing over the past few months.
That changed in the first game of the day Sunday, as they defeated Akron Buchtel by a score of 30-8. The Lady Falcons used a balanced offensive attack throughout much of the game, taking advantage of opportunities as they presented themselves while coming up with key defensive stops and a nice interception by Audrey Richmond when the Falcons had a slim advantage. On offense, it was Quarterback Paige Eldreth commanding the offense in the victory, going 16-25 through the air for 2 touchdowns and 3 successful 2-point conversions through the air. On the receiving end for those touchdowns were Morgan Stoicoiu and McKinley Wetzel who followed those scores by corralling the ensuing 2 point conversion passes as well. The 3rd 2 point reception went to Audrey Richmond following her run to the endzone. Capping the scoring was the lone senior on the Falcons squad, Morgan Stoicoiu, adding a rushing touchdown to her stat line in the front end of the doubleheader.
Awaiting the Falcons following their game was the Massillon Washington Lady Tigers. While this is the Falcons inaugural season, the Tigers were part of the first schools to have Girls Flag Football when it started last spring in OHSAA. It was a 3challenge Coach Jeff Eldreth’s Falcons were up for. Despite falling behind early by two scores, the Lady Falcons used two spectacular interceptions by Brooklyn Marchette, including one in the Massillon end zone, to come roaring back. The Falcons scored on a running play by Audrey Richmond and a touchdown pass to Maddie Radabaugh. Massillon rebuilt their lead after the Falcons tied it up, building their lead to 40-16 before a late touchdown reception by Morgan Stoicoiu cut into the lead to the final score of 40-22.
The Falcons end their opening weekend officially 2-2, but coach and players all agree the victory this morning meant so much more to this trailblazing team. The Falcons return to action next weekend as they take on GlenOak Friday night at the University of Akron’s InfoCision Stadium before a doubleheader at InfoCision next Sunday against Akron Archbishop Hoban and Canton McKinley.
(We apologize for the inadvertent zoom on the players interview)
