Falcons Nest - March 28th

Strong Finish for the Falcons before Spring Break.
Varsity Track & Field:  
The O’Neal Track and Field team had a busy and successful week, competing in two meets and continuing to build momentum early in the season. On Saturday, March 22nd, the team competed at the Vikings Relay Meet at Union Pines High School. The meet featured competitive high school relays, including the sprint medley and the 4x400m, but a standout moment came when the middle school Falcons were given a last-minute opportunity to compete in the mile and 100m. Four athletes raced the mile and three competed in the 100m, all achieving new personal bests. A special highlight of the day was the peewee 50m race, where some of our youngest future Falcons had the chance to race on a track for the very first time. 

The team carried this momentum into the Tri-TAC Meet in Durham, where the energy and performances were exceptional. Eighteen athletes recorded season-best times, with strong efforts seen across all events, from sprints and distance races to throws and jumps. Ashton Coon has secured automatic state-qualifying times in the 100m, 200m, and 400m, while Gavin Rabon qualified for states in the discus and shot put, both of which are now new school records. For this early in the season, the Falcons are making significant progress, breaking records, and setting new personal bests each week. The team looks forward to continuing this success in the meets ahead! 
 
Middle School Co-Ed Golf:  
O’Neal vs Cornerstone Academy FINAL: 182-237, W 
Another great week and huge victory for the Falcon golfers as they took on Christ the Cornerstone Academy at Longleaf Country Club on Tuesday, March 25th! The Falcons came out flying with both Will Simmons and Luke Valkovics parring their first hole of the match while the latter birdied hole 17 to finish the day 2 over par (39). Ford Kuester and Charlie Monroe played consistently throughout the match, both parring hole 17 and beating their opponents by a combined 24 strokes. Overall, the Falcons came out victorious against Christ the Cornerstone Academy, winning the match by 55 strokes with a combined score of 182 (O'Neal) to 237 (Christ the Cornerstone Academy). The Falcons' have a much-needed break this upcoming week before returning to Longleaf Country Club on April 15th to take on Burlington Christian Academy.   
 
Varsity Boys Golf:  
O’Neal vs Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill FINAL: 307-369, W 
This week's tournament play began under rainy conditions, but as the teams from O’Neal School and Trinity teed off, the skies cleared, and beautiful spring weather at Talamore Golf Club prevailed. 

Dylan Wolfe led the Falcons with a fantastic round of 69, followed by Zeyo Zhao with a solid 76—way to set the pace, 8th graders! Senior Jacob Shepherd recorded his best tournament round with a 79, while fellow seniors Jack Manning (83) and Max Pashley (90) contributed to the team's strong performance. Junior standout and team captain Andrew Hobbs, sidelined due to injury, demonstrated his leadership by showing up to support his teammates. 

O’Neal topped Trinity 307 to 369, closing out competition before a well-deserved spring break. 
The Falcons return to action on April 9 at Jamestown Park against Westchester Country Day. 
 
Varsity Girls Soccer:  
O’Neal vs. Berean Baptist FINAL:4-0, W 
The O’Neal Falcons Varsity Girls Soccer team controlled the game from start to finish in a commanding 4-0 victory over the Berean Baptist Bulldogs. 

The scoring began with Haddie Habets, who struck a beautiful shot into the bottom right corner to put the Falcons on the board. From there, Jordin Reed took over, netting her first hat trick of the season. Her first goal came off a perfectly placed cross, which she slotted past the keeper into the bottom left corner. She followed that up with a powerful strike from the edge of the 18, burying it in the back of the net. The Falcons sealed the win when Brielle Wolfe’s shot was bobbled by the keeper, allowing Reed to capitalize with a quick tap-in for her third goal of the match. 

With relentless pressure on offense and a solid defensive effort, the Falcons dominated every aspect of the game, securing a well-earned clean sheet and another strong victory! 
 
Middle School Girls Soccer:  
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy: FINAL: 7-0, W 
The Middle School Girls Soccer team delivered a dominant performance on Monday, securing a decisive victory that ended early in the second half. This win reflects the team's continued growth, determination, and teamwork. The Falcons’ relentless effort and commitment to training have been evident all season, and their performance in this match showcased both their individual skill and collective strength. This victory is a testament to their hard work, discipline, and unity on the field. With each game, the Falcons continue to build momentum, demonstrating the resilience and teamwork that define their season. 
 
Varsity Boys Tennis:  
O’Neal vs Fayetteville Christian School FINAL 9-0, W 
The O’Neal Varsity Boys Tennis team celebrated their first victory of the season on Friday, March 21, with a dominant 9-0 win over Fayetteville Christian in front of a supportive home crowd. The Falcons showcased strong performances across the board, securing a well-earned sweep. 

O’Neal vs Fayetteville Academy FINAL 1-8, L 
Looking to build on that success, the team traveled to Fayetteville Academy on Wednesday, March 26. Despite their efforts, the Falcons senior co-captain Chris Walters was the team’s only singles victory. The Falcons now hold a 1-4 record as they continue to push forward in their season. 

The team returns to home court on Thursday, March 27, to face Carolina Friends at 3:30 p.m. This matchup will be their final competition before a well-deserved weeklong spring break. The Falcons remain determined to keep improving and are eager for the challenges ahead. 
 
MS Baseball:  
O'Neal vs Berean Baptist FINAL: 14-6, W 
O'Neal showcased an explosive offense and relentless base running in a dominant 14-6 win, wrapping up the game in just four innings. Liam Enslin led the charge, going 2-for-2 with a single, double, two RBIs, and four stolen bases. Charlie Borland was perfect at the plate, reaching three times while swiping four bases and scoring twice. Oliver Gabor added power with a double and a triple, driving in two runs, while Gabriel Rodriguez created havoc on the basepaths with seven steals and three walks. 
On the mound, Borland went the distance in a four-inning complete game, striking out seven while allowing three earned runs on three hits. As a team, O'Neal racked up 31 stolen bases and plated 14 runs on just five hits, proving that aggressive baserunning can be a game-changer. 

O’Neal vs Freedom Christian FINAL: 8-4, W 
Despite a strong offensive effort, Freedom fell short against O’Neal, dropping an 8-4 decision in a five-inning battle. Charlie Borland continued his hot streak, going 3-for-3 with two singles, a double, and six stolen bases while scoring three runs. Liam Enslin added a 2-for-3 performance with a single, double, four stolen bases, and an RBI. Bingham Winslow contributed two singles, a stolen base, and an RBI. 

On the mound, Oliver Gabor worked four innings, striking out six while allowing three earned runs. Enslin coming in with bases loaded, pitched the final inning, striking out two but surrendering a run. The Falcons showed speed on the bases with 17 steals and recorded 10 hits, but O’Neal’s timely offense secured the win. 
 
Varsity Baseball: 
O'Neal vs. Fayetteville Christian: Final 18-1, W 
Last Friday, the Fayetteville Christian Warriors traveled to Jack Young Baseball Field to take on your O'Neal Falcons. They were met with the Falcons best display of offense so far this year. Tallying a total of 11 hits on the day, everyone played a part in the victory in the Falcons’ lineup. 

The offense was led by Jake Shepherd and Andrew Pavlovich, who each had a home run in this contest. The two seniors totaled 7 RBIs combined. Joey Wade, Kaiden Taveras, and Peter Sundborg all had a multi-hit game. Joey Wade and Max Pashley also combined for 5 combined RBIs.  

Parker Maxwell led the way on the mound for O'Neal going 4 innings while striking out 6 total Warriors. Maxwell only allowed 4 hits and gave up 1 run for the Falcons. Joey Wade came into the 5th inning to close it out and struck out 2 in the top of the frame. It was an overall fantastic display of the Falcons’ talent and drive. 

O'Neal vs. Sandhills Classical Christian: Final 17-3, W 
Your O'Neal Falcons stayed hot at the plate in this contest versus the Sandhills Classical Christian Lions. It was a perfect group effort in the win. The offense was powered by Joey Wade and Jake Shepherd who each had 4 RBI's. Joey's came from a double and a single, while Jake had one hit but it was a grand slam! Kaiden Taveras also had 2 hits. Max Pashley and Oliver Gabor brought in RBI's as well, each having 2 on the day. Pashley and Andrew Pavlovich put themselves in scoring position totaling 3 runs scored each. 

Joey Wade led the way on the mound with Parker Maxwell there to close it out for the Falcons. The Falcons took their win streak into North Moore High School, the last game before Spring Break. 
O'Neal vs. North Moore: Final 2-14, L 

Errors on the field got the best of the Falcons last night against the North Moore Mustangs. Despite the score, the Falcons were led by Jake Shepherd on the mound. Shepherd only gave up 2 earned runs in 4 innings while striking out 8. 

The offense was led by Shepherd, who went 2-2 with 2 RBIs. Joey Wade and Kaiden Taveras also contributed with their bats with 2 hits and 1 hit, respectively. The Falcons go on Spring Break for some needed rest but will return to the diamond for a rematch against the North Moore Mustangs at Home at 4 pm on Wednesday, April 9th. 
 
Photos by Wendy Hodges

Falcon Athletics Looking Ahead – 3/31/25 - 4/11/25:  
(Spring Break 3/31-4/6) 
DAY 
DATE 
OPPONENT 
SPORT 
H/A 
EVENT TIME 
MON 
4/7/2025 
Berean Baptist Academy 
MSGSOC  
AWAY 
4:00PM 
MON 
4/7/2025 
Berean Baptist Academy 
MSBASE 
AWAY 
6:00PM 
TUE 
4/8/2025 
Grace Christian Sandford 
GSOC 
AWAY 
5:30PM 
WED 
4/9/2025 
Westchester Country Day  
BGOLF 
AWAY 
1:00PM 
WED 
4/9/2025 
Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill 
T&F 
AWAY 
2:30PM 
WED 
4/9/2025 
North Moore HS 
BASE 
HOME 
4:00PM 
WED 
4/9/2025 
Fayetteville Christian School 
MSBASE 
AWAY 
4:00PM 
THU 
4/10/2025 
Village Christian Academy 
MSBASE 
AWAY 
4:00PM 
THU 
4/10/2025 
Village Christian Academy 
MSGSOC  
AWAY 
4:00PM 
THU 
4/10/2025 
North Raleigh Christian 
T&F 
AWAY 
4:00PM 
 
 
 
Back
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.