The Falcons notched their first win of the season last Friday, Sept. 23, with a big win over the visiting team from Chino Valley, 42-16.

While there was plenty of extra pomp and circumstance thanks to the pre-game Falcon Festival, it looks like the party will keep on rolling this Friday, Sept. 30, when the Falcons host North Pointe Prep.

This week’s game features a special salute to local veterans, who are encouraged to come out early for the festivities and to enjoy the game.

The Falcon Warbirds will do a fly over at the high school field at 6 p.m. with kick off set for 6:30 p.m. Again, come early if you don’t want to miss the big show.

Additionally, a special flag ceremony will take place before the game and the National Anthem will be performed by the high school and middle school bands.

Finally, the Falcons and the Cardinals will fly as one during the game, with Big Red on hand to work the crowd while the local team hits the field.

Chino Valley

The Falcons jumped out to an early lead in their game against Chino Valley, scoring within the first couple of minutes of the game and never looking back.

As head coach John Flynn stated, the team fell a bit flat early on in the second half, but even that couldn’t stop the team from going on to claim a big 42-6 final victory.

“The first half went really well and we definitely dominated,” Flynn said. “We managed to score on offense, defense and special teams, which is the first time we’ve done that in two or three years.”

Garrett Renner was seven for 13 in the air this outing for 153 passing yards. Ian Mackiewicz caught two for 89 yards with Tom Ferrington pulling down four for 64 yards.

The big show for the night was Daniel Butler, carrying 18 for 222 rushing yards. Butler was humble, though, according to Flynn, giving credit to the offensive line for keeping him safe and creating paths throughout the night.

On defense, Eddie Flores managed eight tackles and eight assists while Cole Lupien managed four tackles and three assists of his own.

“Sam Batchelor was the defensive player of the night,” Flynn added. “He ended up with a sack and a couple of tackles for loss, did a good job and just really stood out.”

Flynn said that Brett Gratz was the special teams player of the game, punting well and returning a punt for a touchdown.

Flynn said that he and his team were impressed by the festival going on before and around the game, increasing the number of fans in the stands and upping the intensity on the night.

By the end of the game, Flynn said he was able to bring in some of his younger athletes, true freshmen, who didn’t give up any points and managed to move the ball offensively.

“Actually, one of our guys, Brandon Lemaster, we didn’t have a slot for him, but I wanted to get him in,” Flynn continued. “One of our seniors, Kainoa Reid, swapped jerseys with him so we could put him in at running back. It was great.”

In the end, Flynn said the Falcons came out of the game with a win, no injuries, the ability to rest a few guys and a full team that was on the field and eager to practice starting the following morning.

“I think they are seeing that hard work, determination and staying focused really does pay off,” Flynn said. “Saturday really proved to me that that idea is really taking hold.”