Falcons hold off late charge by Mustangs
The Abbotsford Falcons have built a well warranted reputation over the years as a ground and pound, run-oriented offense. For nearly a decade they’ve had at least one tailback rush for 1,000 yards.
The Falcons are still run based, but where the 2021 squad differs from previous teams is its ability to complete passes when the game is on the line. Abby used their well-balanced offense to outlast Melrose-Mindoro 13-6 in a rain delayed game that finished Saturday afternoon.
That the game was so close was something of a surprise, but according to Abby head coach Jake Knapmiller, it was self inflicted wounds that allowed the Mustangs to keep up with the Falcons.
“Friday night we had a chance to score three times, and we only came out with one. Every time we crossed the 20 we had a penalty . . . I think we had over 15 penalties for more than 120 yards.”
The Falcons did get off to a fast start on Friday, thanks to a huge return from JV Castilllo on the opening kick-off that put the ball on the Mustang’s 35-yard line. One play later, and Ty Falteisek tip-toed down the sideline for a 35-yard score.
An extra point by Fernando Perez made it 7-0 with less than a minute gone by. The Falcons stopped the Mustangs opening drive, and Abby reeled off a drive to Melrose-Mindoro’s goal-line, but the Falcons turned the ball over downs.
The Falcons forced another punt from the Mustangs, but a poor snap on fourth down forced the Mustangs’ punter to scramble for a first down.
Falteisek was there to meet him, and his open field tackle gave the Falcons excellent field position to work with. Unfortunately, Abby fumbled on the ensuing play, and Melrose-Mindoro marched into Abby territory off an 18-yard completion with 48 seconds left in the first half.
That’s when Mother Nature got involved, and the game was postponed due to inclement weather. The two teams decided to renew their contest the following day, and it was another six hour round trip for the Falcons.
Abby’s defense picked up where it left off the next day. Mason Wellman streaked in from the linebacker position to sack the Mustangs’ QB to end the first half, with Abby holding a 7-0 lead.
“Mason stepped up for us when we needed it, and he’s having a great season in a new set of roles,” Knapmiller said.
The Mustangs got on board late in the game on a 45-yard catch and run, but a missed extra point made it 7-6.
The Falcons went on a 17-play drive on their next offensive series, only to see it lose steam in the end, with Abby turning the ball over on downs at the Mustangs’ four-yard line. It was still anyone’s game, but Brandon Diedrich came up with the first of two big plays, snatching a pitch out of the air to give Abby new life.
Castillo found Brandon Diedrich for a 30-yard strike on third and long that put the ball on the one-yard line. One play later, and it was Evan Schunk diving in from one yard out to make 13-6.
The Falcons’ defense held firm, and held for the win. Falteisek and Castillo led the way for Abby with 142 and 75 yards on the ground. Castillo finished six of 11 on passes for another 110-yards.
The Falcons will open up play in the Marawood Conference this Friday when they travel to Marathon to take on the Red Raiders. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.
