Falcons Nest - September 20th
FALCONS ARE FLYING HIGH MID-SEASON
Middle School Boys Soccer:
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple: 5-1 win
O’Neal hosted Northwood Temple on Tuesday, jumping out to a quick lead as they defended their home field. The Falcons scored three times in the opening 15 minutes off of consistent pressure from their forwards. The team used a variety of attacking strategies, as one goal was scored off a break-away, one on a long-distance strike, and the other from heading in a rebound. The Falcons’ defense held strong throughout the game, and although Northwood was able to get a goal back late in the half, that was the only really dangerous opportunity given up by the Falcons. The team’s positioning and distribution have improved dramatically over the season, and even when making a large number of substitutions, the boys were able to maintain control of the game and add two additional goals.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple: 5-1 win
O’Neal hosted Northwood Temple on Tuesday, jumping out to a quick lead as they defended their home field. The Falcons scored three times in the opening 15 minutes off of consistent pressure from their forwards. The team used a variety of attacking strategies, as one goal was scored off a break-away, one on a long-distance strike, and the other from heading in a rebound. The Falcons’ defense held strong throughout the game, and although Northwood was able to get a goal back late in the half, that was the only really dangerous opportunity given up by the Falcons. The team’s positioning and distribution have improved dramatically over the season, and even when making a large number of substitutions, the boys were able to maintain control of the game and add two additional goals.
Varsity Boys Soccer:
This week, the O’Neal Falcons Boys Varsity Soccer team faced two tough opponents, proving that when the chips are down, they’ve got the heart, grit, and resilience to come out on top. It wasn’t easy, but winning rarely is. Let’s break it down.
O'Neal vs. Northwood Temple Final Score: 5-4, W
Tuesday's matchup saw the Falcons square off against Northwood Temple Eagles, and it didn’t start pretty. An early defensive lapse put the Falcons down 1-0, but it did not last long. The Falcons fought back hard, with Jack Habets equalizing to make it 1-1. Not long after, Christian Baker put the Falcons ahead 2-1, and it looked like the game was in control.
Unfortunately, a couple of defensive mistakes and the Eagles capitalized, scoring twice to go into halftime with a 3-2 lead. The Falcons could’ve folded, but that’s not who they are.
Coming out for the second half, the Falcons were locked in. Joseph Lucas tied it up with a commanding header, and just like that, it was 3-3. However, Northwood Temple wasn’t done yet, catching the Falcons on a defensive misstep and reclaiming the lead at 4-3. Gavin Natt brought them back to level at 4-4, and with the game in its final moments, Travis Doody found the back of the net off an assist from Andrew Pavlovich to finish with a 5-4 win. It was a fight to the finish, but the team’s perseverance carried them through.
O’Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian School Final Score: 2-2, PK 4-3
Wednesday's match was a conference battle against Fayetteville Christian, a team that had beaten the Falcons handily earlier in the season. This time, the Falcons came out with a score to settle.
The game started tight, with both teams feeling each other out. The Warriors struck first, but once again, the Falcons weren’t rattled. Travis Doody answered with a goal, tying the game at 1-1. From there, the momentum shifted. Gavin Natt took over, weaving through three defenders and slotting the ball home to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead going into halftime.
The second half was a war of attrition. Both teams had their chances, but the Falcons’ defense—led by Max Pashley, Alex Gold, Gavin Rabon, and Matt Davis—stood tall. And when they didn’t, goalkeeper Andrew Pavlovich did. His performance was nothing short of heroic. Midway through the second half, a slide tackle in the box gave the Warriors a penalty kick, which they converted to tie the game at 2-2.
With just minutes left on the clock, a controversial handball call handed Fayetteville Christian another penalty. But Pavlovich wasn’t having it. He guessed right, made the save, and kept the Falcons alive.
Extra time came and went, with both teams pushing hard for the win. The Falcons nearly sealed it when Doody set up Natt for a shot that was barely cleared off the line. But with 40 seconds left, another questionable handball call led to a third penalty for the Warriors. Once again, Pavlovich stood tall, making an incredible save to force a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Pavlovich was the man of the moment, saving the first and last shots to give the Falcons a thrilling victory. It was a gutsy performance, showing the kind of determination that defines champions.
The Falcons will be back in action on Monday, September 23, at home against Freedom Christian Academy. With the momentum of this week behind them, they’re ready to keep flying high. Falcons don’t lose, we just take our time to win.
This week, the O’Neal Falcons Boys Varsity Soccer team faced two tough opponents, proving that when the chips are down, they’ve got the heart, grit, and resilience to come out on top. It wasn’t easy, but winning rarely is. Let’s break it down.
O'Neal vs. Northwood Temple Final Score: 5-4, W
Tuesday's matchup saw the Falcons square off against Northwood Temple Eagles, and it didn’t start pretty. An early defensive lapse put the Falcons down 1-0, but it did not last long. The Falcons fought back hard, with Jack Habets equalizing to make it 1-1. Not long after, Christian Baker put the Falcons ahead 2-1, and it looked like the game was in control.
Unfortunately, a couple of defensive mistakes and the Eagles capitalized, scoring twice to go into halftime with a 3-2 lead. The Falcons could’ve folded, but that’s not who they are.
Coming out for the second half, the Falcons were locked in. Joseph Lucas tied it up with a commanding header, and just like that, it was 3-3. However, Northwood Temple wasn’t done yet, catching the Falcons on a defensive misstep and reclaiming the lead at 4-3. Gavin Natt brought them back to level at 4-4, and with the game in its final moments, Travis Doody found the back of the net off an assist from Andrew Pavlovich to finish with a 5-4 win. It was a fight to the finish, but the team’s perseverance carried them through.
O’Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian School Final Score: 2-2, PK 4-3
Wednesday's match was a conference battle against Fayetteville Christian, a team that had beaten the Falcons handily earlier in the season. This time, the Falcons came out with a score to settle.
The game started tight, with both teams feeling each other out. The Warriors struck first, but once again, the Falcons weren’t rattled. Travis Doody answered with a goal, tying the game at 1-1. From there, the momentum shifted. Gavin Natt took over, weaving through three defenders and slotting the ball home to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead going into halftime.
The second half was a war of attrition. Both teams had their chances, but the Falcons’ defense—led by Max Pashley, Alex Gold, Gavin Rabon, and Matt Davis—stood tall. And when they didn’t, goalkeeper Andrew Pavlovich did. His performance was nothing short of heroic. Midway through the second half, a slide tackle in the box gave the Warriors a penalty kick, which they converted to tie the game at 2-2.
With just minutes left on the clock, a controversial handball call handed Fayetteville Christian another penalty. But Pavlovich wasn’t having it. He guessed right, made the save, and kept the Falcons alive.
Extra time came and went, with both teams pushing hard for the win. The Falcons nearly sealed it when Doody set up Natt for a shot that was barely cleared off the line. But with 40 seconds left, another questionable handball call led to a third penalty for the Warriors. Once again, Pavlovich stood tall, making an incredible save to force a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Pavlovich was the man of the moment, saving the first and last shots to give the Falcons a thrilling victory. It was a gutsy performance, showing the kind of determination that defines champions.
The Falcons will be back in action on Monday, September 23, at home against Freedom Christian Academy. With the momentum of this week behind them, they’re ready to keep flying high. Falcons don’t lose, we just take our time to win.
Middle School Volleyball:
Opponent | Set 1 | Set 2 | Match |
Northwood Temple | 25-21 | 25-15 | W |
This week, the Middle School volleyball team faced off against Northwood Temple in a competitive match. The Falcons demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, cheering each other on and offering support during challenging moments. Bethany Risseeuw went on an impressive 8-point streak towards the end of the first set, while Elli Hood delivered strong serves in her debut game as a server. In the second set, Riley Havenstein's powerful and unpredictable serves caught the opposing team off guard, helping secure the win.
Varsity Volleyball:
Opponent | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Match |
Northwood Temple | 9-25 | 19-25 | 25-19 | 24-26 | L |
The O'Neal Varsity Volleyball team hosted Northwood Temple on Tuesday night, starting slow in the first set but quickly coming alive and competing fiercely. Although the Falcons lost the match 1-3, momentum began to shift as Northwood started to lose confidence and make errors, while the Falcons capitalized on their hustle and grit, chasing down every loose ball and refusing to let anything hit the floor. Execution errors ultimately made the difference, but the game demonstrated that the Falcons can compete with anyone in the league. Their growth, resilience, and relentless effort showed the battle and fight this team has, making them someone teams don’t want to match up against during tournament play!
Varsity Cross Country:
With great courses come great season records.
On September 18th, Village Christian Academy hosted their home cross country meet, and it was a remarkable day for competition. The course, designed as a loop around the campus, weaved through the baseball fields and circled the soccer field, covering roughly a mile per lap. The O'Neal School's Cross Country team showcased their progress, with each runner achieving a new season best.
The women's team displayed exceptional teamwork through their cohesive pack running, led by Ava Taylor Walker, who secured an individual top-five finish. Seniors Kaylee Crow and Charlotte Mills pushed each other throughout the race, picking off competitors one by one with impressive determination.
On the men's side, the strategy was to divide and conquer, and it paid off. Sam Schmitz and Chris O'Melia finished in the top ten, then promptly turned to cheer on their teammates. O'Melia, reflecting on Jace Campbell’s performance, remarked that he had "witnessed the greatest kick in cross country history today."
With this surge of confidence, The O'Neal School cross country team looks forward to the Adidas Invitational on Saturday, September 21st.
With great courses come great season records.
On September 18th, Village Christian Academy hosted their home cross country meet, and it was a remarkable day for competition. The course, designed as a loop around the campus, weaved through the baseball fields and circled the soccer field, covering roughly a mile per lap. The O'Neal School's Cross Country team showcased their progress, with each runner achieving a new season best.
The women's team displayed exceptional teamwork through their cohesive pack running, led by Ava Taylor Walker, who secured an individual top-five finish. Seniors Kaylee Crow and Charlotte Mills pushed each other throughout the race, picking off competitors one by one with impressive determination.
On the men's side, the strategy was to divide and conquer, and it paid off. Sam Schmitz and Chris O'Melia finished in the top ten, then promptly turned to cheer on their teammates. O'Melia, reflecting on Jace Campbell’s performance, remarked that he had "witnessed the greatest kick in cross country history today."
With this surge of confidence, The O'Neal School cross country team looks forward to the Adidas Invitational on Saturday, September 21st.
Falcon Athletics Next Week 9/23-9/28:
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 9/23/2024 | Freedom Christian Academy | BSOC | HOME | 5:15PM |
MON | 9/23/2024 | Carolina Friends School | GTN | HOME | 3:30 PM |
MON | 9/23/2024 | Freedom Christian Academy | MSBSOC | HOME | 3:30 PM |
MON | 9/23/2024 | Freedom Christian Academy | MSVB | HOME | 3:30 PM |
MON | 9/23/2024 | Freedom Christian Academy | VB | HOME | 4:45PM |
TUE | 9/24/2024 | Forsyth Country Day School | GTN | HOME | 3:30 PM |
TUE | 9/24/2024 | Berean Baptist Hosts @ Carver's Creek | MSXC | AWAY | 4:00 PM G/B |
TUE | 9/24/2024 | Berean Baptist Hosts @ Carver's Creek | XC | AWAY | 4:30 Boys 5:15 Girls |
WED | 9/25/2024 | Fayetteville Academy | MSBSOC | HOME | 3:30 PM |
WED | 9/25/2024 | Fayetteville Academy | MSVB | HOME | 3:30 PM |
THU | 9/26/2024 | Trinity Christian | VB | HOME | 4:45 PM |
FRI | 9/27/2024 | Grace Christian | BSOC | HOME | 5:15PM |
FRI | 9/27/2024 | Sandhills Classical Christian | MSXC | AWAY | 3:00PM |
SAT | 9/28/2024 | Volleyball and Soccer Youth Clinics | VB/BSOC | HOME | 9 - 11AM |
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