Falcons Nest - October 4th
O’NEAL CELEBRATES SENIOR ATHLETES IN THEIR FINAL WEEK OF REGULAR SEASON
Falcon Youth Clinics:
The Falcon Youth Clinics were a great success last weekend! It was an exciting opportunity for 2nd-8th graders to develop their skills in both volleyball and soccer. Participants not only honed their abilities but also had the unique experience of working alongside the Falcon Varsity teams. The collaboration fostered a strong sense of community, with attendees and athletes connecting through hard work, learning new techniques, and, most importantly, having fun!
This weekend, on Saturday, October 5th, we will continue with the Tennis Clinic for 2nd-8th graders, as well as a Falcon Strength clinic for 3rd-5th graders. The strength clinic will take place in the Performance Room and on the Turf, focusing on fundamental movement patterns that will set participants up for success now and in the future. We look forward to another fantastic day of learning, growth, and community! Register Here
The Falcon Youth Clinics were a great success last weekend! It was an exciting opportunity for 2nd-8th graders to develop their skills in both volleyball and soccer. Participants not only honed their abilities but also had the unique experience of working alongside the Falcon Varsity teams. The collaboration fostered a strong sense of community, with attendees and athletes connecting through hard work, learning new techniques, and, most importantly, having fun!
This weekend, on Saturday, October 5th, we will continue with the Tennis Clinic for 2nd-8th graders, as well as a Falcon Strength clinic for 3rd-5th graders. The strength clinic will take place in the Performance Room and on the Turf, focusing on fundamental movement patterns that will set participants up for success now and in the future. We look forward to another fantastic day of learning, growth, and community! Register Here
Middle School Cross Country:
"Home is where the heart is." This week the Falcon runners had their first home meet as they took on Cary Academy, Covenant Preparatory, Sandhills Classical Christian, and St. John Paul II. Both the boys and girls ran a competitive race against some hefty competition. The girls finished in fourth place with a combined score of 87 points with Kennedy Morrow finishing with a new personal record of 17:43 and Madison LePage with 18:57. The boys ran consistently as a team, encouraging each other and maintaining a steady pace before finishing in first place for their division with a combined score of 57 points. Both Titus Caviness and Eli Williams improved greatly on their own personal records with Titus coming in at 19:49 and Eli at 15:13. The Falcons finished their week with a recovery day running at a slow pace before working on their speed with improving their strides. Next week, the Falcons head to Fayetteville to participate in their "Pre-Conference Championship" on Tuesday, October 8th.
Varsity Cross Country:
“Feels like home... meet”
On September 30th, The O'Neal School hosted an exciting varsity cross country race with participation from five schools. The competing teams included Fayetteville Christian, Freedom Christian Academy, Northwood Temple Academy, Sandhills Classical Christian School, and Village Christian Academy. The event brought together talented runners from each school, showcasing their endurance and skill on the challenging course. The meet had a phenomenal turnout, with supporters and loved ones lining the soccer field to watch the athletes start and round the corner for a stellar finish.
In cross country, having a home course is a great advantage, as it allows the athletes to train on the tough terrain daily and reduces the unfamiliarity of new courses. During a team meeting after the race, senior Charlotte Mills stated, "I just realized this year how tough our course truly is." This home-field advantage, combined with the hard work the varsity team has put in since the start of the season, resulted in major course personal records (PRs).The first course the team ran this season was also held at The O'Neal School. Comparing those initial times to the results of this home meet, the Men's team averaged a 1-minute and 7-second improvement, while the Women's team averaged a 1-minute and 18-second improvement from the start of the season.
After such a well-supported and successful benchmark meet, the Falcon Cross Country team looks forward to their upcoming conference meet on October 15th.
“Feels like home... meet”
On September 30th, The O'Neal School hosted an exciting varsity cross country race with participation from five schools. The competing teams included Fayetteville Christian, Freedom Christian Academy, Northwood Temple Academy, Sandhills Classical Christian School, and Village Christian Academy. The event brought together talented runners from each school, showcasing their endurance and skill on the challenging course. The meet had a phenomenal turnout, with supporters and loved ones lining the soccer field to watch the athletes start and round the corner for a stellar finish.
In cross country, having a home course is a great advantage, as it allows the athletes to train on the tough terrain daily and reduces the unfamiliarity of new courses. During a team meeting after the race, senior Charlotte Mills stated, "I just realized this year how tough our course truly is." This home-field advantage, combined with the hard work the varsity team has put in since the start of the season, resulted in major course personal records (PRs).The first course the team ran this season was also held at The O'Neal School. Comparing those initial times to the results of this home meet, the Men's team averaged a 1-minute and 7-second improvement, while the Women's team averaged a 1-minute and 18-second improvement from the start of the season.
After such a well-supported and successful benchmark meet, the Falcon Cross Country team looks forward to their upcoming conference meet on October 15th.
Middle School Boys Soccer:
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian: Final 1-2, L
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian: Final 1-2, L
The Falcons headed to Freedom Christian on Monday, playing a tightly contested game in a battle for the last playoff spot. O’Neal put constant pressure on Freedom during the first half, creating multiple dangerous opportunities. The field conditions were challenging, and the unpredictable bounces led to the opportunities ending in near misses for the Falcons. The defense did a good job holding strong, but an unexpected bounce on a high cross led to an unlucky goal against O’Neal and put the team in a 1-0 deficit. The second half was more of the same, as O’Neal pressed forward but struggled to convert, ultimately giving up a late goal on Freedom’s only shot of the second half to go down 2-0. A last-second penalty kick for the Falcons brought the game closer, but time expired before the ball could be put back in play.
O’Neal vs Berean Baptist Academy: Final 4-1, W
The Falcons closed their season with a terrific performance at home against Berean Baptist Academy. The boys immediately put their foot on the gas, generating the game’s first chance 30 seconds in. They kept the pressure on and did a fantastic job getting the ball wide, attacking the end line, and crossing it toward the 6-yard box. The first goal came exactly this way and was finished with a nice volley. The second goal came a few minutes later directly from a corner kick, and after Berean got one goal back, the Falcons scored in the final 5 seconds of the half to provide a little more breathing room. In the second half, the boys played a variety of different positions as each player tried to get a few last minutes of game time before the season closed, and a fourth goal was scored after stringing together three beautiful passes followed by some fancy footwork to beat the last defender. It was a fitting end for a team that progressed tremendously during the season.
Varsity Boys Soccer:
The Falcons Boys Soccer team concluded their conference regular season in style this week with two pivotal matches, securing victories against Freedom Christian Academy and Berean Baptist Bulldogs. With the postseason looming, the Falcons showcased their resilience and firepower, battling tough conditions and coming through in the clutch moments.
O'Neal vs. Freedom Christian: Final 3-2, W
The Falcons kicked off the week on the road, facing a challenging opponent in Freedom Christian Academy. O’Neal dominated the first half, controlling possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Travis Doody broke through with a well-taken goal to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead.
The Falcons kicked off the week on the road, facing a challenging opponent in Freedom Christian Academy. O’Neal dominated the first half, controlling possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Travis Doody broke through with a well-taken goal to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead.
However, the second half saw the weather take a turn as a torrential downpour hit, and Freedom Christian seized the momentum. Two quick goals in five minutes turned the game on its head, and the Falcons found themselves down 2-1. But the Falcons weren’t done. They regrouped, and it was Doody again who found the back of the net, leveling the score at 2-2 and sending the game into extra time.
In the added period, the Falcons kept their foot on the gas, and once again, it was Travis Doody who delivered the game-winner, completing his hat-trick and securing a dramatic 3-2 victory on the road.
O’Neal vs. Berean Baptist: Final 3-2, W
The Falcons returned home for Senior Recognition, taking on Berean Baptist Academy in their final conference game of the season. With five seniors playing in their last regular season home game, the team came out fired up. The midfield trio of Gavin Natt, Joseph Lucas, and Jack Habets controlled the tempo from the start, while Andrew Miller and Travis Doody threatened from distance but couldn’t break through early.
The breakthrough finally came when Jack Habets found the back of the net, giving the Falcons a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. After the break, O’Neal struggled to find their rhythm, and the Bulldogs capitalized on a defensive miscue, leveling the game with a sloppy goal that sparked some urgency from the Falcons.
The equalizer woke up the home side, and the Falcons began playing some of their best soccer of the season. Their patient passing led to a brilliant attacking sequence, with Gabe Marrero finding space out wide. Marrero delivered a perfectly timed ball to Christian Baker, who sent in a pinpoint cross that Habets finished for his second goal of the match, putting the Falcons ahead 2-1.
The game grew more physical as both teams battled for control. O'Neal was awarded a free kick at the edge of the box, and senior Max Pashley stepped up. Pashley hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner, capping off the game with one of the finest free kicks of the season. The Falcons sealed a 3-1 victory, sending their seniors out with a win on their special day. With these two hard-fought victories, the Falcons head into postseason play full of confidence and momentum, ready to take on their next challenge.
Senior Recognition
The Falcons’ five seniors—Gavin Natt, Gavin Rabon, Travis Doody, Andrew Pavlovich, and Max Pashley—have been the backbone of the team all season, providing leadership and setting the tone for the squad. Their contributions have been vital in guiding the Falcons through a challenging conference season, and they will be key players as O'Neal now looks ahead to the conference tournament and state playoffs.
The Falcons returned home for Senior Recognition, taking on Berean Baptist Academy in their final conference game of the season. With five seniors playing in their last regular season home game, the team came out fired up. The midfield trio of Gavin Natt, Joseph Lucas, and Jack Habets controlled the tempo from the start, while Andrew Miller and Travis Doody threatened from distance but couldn’t break through early.
The breakthrough finally came when Jack Habets found the back of the net, giving the Falcons a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. After the break, O’Neal struggled to find their rhythm, and the Bulldogs capitalized on a defensive miscue, leveling the game with a sloppy goal that sparked some urgency from the Falcons.
The equalizer woke up the home side, and the Falcons began playing some of their best soccer of the season. Their patient passing led to a brilliant attacking sequence, with Gabe Marrero finding space out wide. Marrero delivered a perfectly timed ball to Christian Baker, who sent in a pinpoint cross that Habets finished for his second goal of the match, putting the Falcons ahead 2-1.
The game grew more physical as both teams battled for control. O'Neal was awarded a free kick at the edge of the box, and senior Max Pashley stepped up. Pashley hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner, capping off the game with one of the finest free kicks of the season. The Falcons sealed a 3-1 victory, sending their seniors out with a win on their special day. With these two hard-fought victories, the Falcons head into postseason play full of confidence and momentum, ready to take on their next challenge.
Senior Recognition
The Falcons’ five seniors—Gavin Natt, Gavin Rabon, Travis Doody, Andrew Pavlovich, and Max Pashley—have been the backbone of the team all season, providing leadership and setting the tone for the squad. Their contributions have been vital in guiding the Falcons through a challenging conference season, and they will be key players as O'Neal now looks ahead to the conference tournament and state playoffs.
Girls Tennis:
The tennis team faced yet another match cancellation today by an opponent, which was unfortunately slated to be their final home match of the season, Pink Out, and Senior Recognition. Despite this setback, the team made the best of it by having a fun and spirited practice while celebrating and honoring their senior athletes.
Seniors Ava Taylor Walker and Charli Bunder will be deeply missed, as they have been the backbone of the O'Neal Girls tennis team for years. Charli, with her vibrant personality, instantly lights up any room or court upon her arrival, energizing those around her. Ava Taylor leads with a quiet determination, expertly balancing both Cross Country and Tennis to showcase her exceptional time management skills. The two of them as captains have created great balance and unity within the team. Both are exemplary leaders on and off the court and outstanding role models, embodying the phrase, “Be somebody going somewhere.” These remarkable young women are certainly on their way to great things and have inspired their teammates to set ambitious goals and work hard to achieve them. Their legacy will continue to motivate the team for years to come.
The tennis team faced yet another match cancellation today by an opponent, which was unfortunately slated to be their final home match of the season, Pink Out, and Senior Recognition. Despite this setback, the team made the best of it by having a fun and spirited practice while celebrating and honoring their senior athletes.
Seniors Ava Taylor Walker and Charli Bunder will be deeply missed, as they have been the backbone of the O'Neal Girls tennis team for years. Charli, with her vibrant personality, instantly lights up any room or court upon her arrival, energizing those around her. Ava Taylor leads with a quiet determination, expertly balancing both Cross Country and Tennis to showcase her exceptional time management skills. The two of them as captains have created great balance and unity within the team. Both are exemplary leaders on and off the court and outstanding role models, embodying the phrase, “Be somebody going somewhere.” These remarkable young women are certainly on their way to great things and have inspired their teammates to set ambitious goals and work hard to achieve them. Their legacy will continue to motivate the team for years to come.
Middle School Volleyball:
Opponent | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Match |
Freedom Christian | 18-25 | 15-25 | --- | L |
Berean Baptist | 25-19 | 24-26 | 15-3 | W |
The Falcons faced a tough loss to Freedom Christian on Monday. In the first set, Myer Johnson's impressive serves stood out, with Riley Havenstein following up with powerful hits and well-placed tips. In the second set, Havenstein continued to shine with her attacks and a well-executed push, while Cecilia Jones delivered a strong performance from the service line.
On Thursday, the girls bounced back with an electric performance against Berean Baptist in their final home game. Heather Anton-Botengan showcased excellent saves and clever tips, while Elli Hood consistently provided solid sets and passes to set up her teammates. The second set was filled with long, thrilling rallies and relentless hustle from the entire team. Bethany Risseeuw delivered some outstanding hits, and Keelie Bosworth contributed with smart plays and crucial saves. In the third set, the girls played with confidence, dominating the game as the crowd erupted in support. Risseeuw's serving streak sealed the victory, a testament to the team's hard work and dedication during practice throughout the week.
Varsity Volleyball:
Opponent | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Set 4 | Match |
Freedom Christian | 26-24 | 25-20 | 25-19 | --- | W |
Berean Baptist | 23-25 | 24-26 | 7-25 | --- | L |
The O'Neal Volleyball team traveled to Freedom Christian on Monday and secured a victory in three straight sets. The Falcons fought hard in a closely contested first set, edging out a 26-24 win. With momentum on their side, they were able to pull away in the next two sets, sealing the match and coming home with a well-earned victory.
The Falcons returned home to host Berean Baptist on Thursday night for a special evening, which included a Pink Out in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Senior Recognition. The night began with a heartfelt recognition of O'Neal's three seniors; Elise Milligan, Michaela Stone, and Victoria York; honoring their contributions to both the team and the program. Despite the emotional energy, after two hard-fought sets, the team struggled to maintain momentum, and Berean Baptist ultimately won the match in three sets. While the result wasn’t in the Falcons’ favor, the evening was a meaningful celebration for the seniors and an important cause.
Photos by Wendy Hodges, Coaches and Friends
Photos by Wendy Hodges, Coaches and Friends
Falcon Athletics Next Week 10/5 -10/11:
SAT | 10/5/2024 | Youth Clinics Tennis & Falcon Strength | Clinics | HOME | 9-11AM |
MON | 10/7/2024 | SEMSAC Semi Finals Freedom Christain | MSVB | AWAY | 4:00 PM |
MON | 10/7/2024 | SAC Tournament Quarterfinals Fayetteville Christian | VB | AWAY | 6:00PM |
MON | 10/7/2024 | SAC Championship | GTN | HOME | 3:30PM |
TUE | 10/8/2024 | SAC Tournament Semifinals TBD | BSOC | HOME | 5:15 PM |
TUE | 10/8/2024 | Conference Championship Preview (Hosts FCS) | MSXC | AWAY | Girls 3:15PM Boys 3:45PM |
TUE | 10/8/2024 | SAC Tournament Semifinals | VB | AWAY | TBD |
TUE | 10/8/2024 | Conference Championship Preview (Hosts FCS) | XC | AWAY | Girls 4:40PM Boys 5:30PM |
WED | 10/9/2024 | Carolina Friends School | GTN | AWAY | 3:30 PM |
THU | 10/10/2024 | SAC Tournament Championship | BSOC | AWAY | 5:15 PM |
THU | 10/10/2024 | SEMSAC FINALS | MSVB | TBD | 3:30 PM |
THU | 10/10/2024 | SAC Tournament Championship | VB | AWAY | TBD |
FRI | 10/11/2024 | FALL BREAK BEGINS | All School | OFF | OFF |
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