The Two Arborbrook teams met on the field for the third time this season and for the third time the game was decided by less than a touchdown. The field at Optimist Park has been recently resurfaced with turf grass and was the site of the final game of the season for both teams. The players talked the coaches into using the entire field which gave everyone an opportunity to play on a 100 yard field for the first time this season and possibly the first time ever. First downs would be gained by crossing the 35 yard line on both sides of the field, an extra 5 minutes was added to each half, and the game was underway.
The Falcon White team had the first possession of the game and drove steadily down the field gaining first downs at both 35 yard lines and scored on a pass from Trey Barnes to Alex Forster. The extra point failed but the White Falcons were up 6-0. The Falcon Green team took over on their own 10 yard line and on the second play from scrimmage Ryan Brown broke around the left end and streaked down the sideline spinning away from Daniel Zangmeister at midfield and scoring what looked like a game tying 85 yard touchdown run. An inadvertant whistle by the referee at mid field brought the ball back and the 6 points was taken off the board. The drive stalled at that point and the Falcon White team started their second possession from their own 10 yard line. For the second straight time the White Falcons drove slowly down the field using up much of the clock and scored their second touchdown on a pass from Ben Marsico to Daniel Zangmeister. Daniel made a great run after the catch by weaving his way through the middle of the Falcon Green defense and scored from the 20 yard line. Jazz Alexander caught the two point conversion pass from Ben Marscio and the score was now 14-0. The Falcon Green offense took over and picked up one first down but could go no farther and gave the ball back to the White Falcons. The White Falcons once again moved the ball downfield but this time the Falcon Green defense came up strong and stopped the drive inside the 20. The half would end with the with the White Falcons leading by a 14-0 score.
The Green Falcons started the second half from their own 10 yard line and immediatley felt the presence of Mitch Moore. Mitch had missed the first half because of a Dr’s appointment but was fired up and ready to go as the second half started. The Green Falcons started their own drive which was kept alive when Christian Farmer made and outstanding over the head catch at the White Falcon 40 yard line. On the next play, Mitch Moore twisted and spun his way through the defense and scored the Green Falcons frist touchdown of the game. Ryan Brown caught the extra point pass from Christian Farmer and the Green Falcons had trimmed the lead to 14-7. It did not take the White Falcons long to respond. They drove to midfield where Trey Barnes threw a perfect pass to Daniel Zangmeister behind the defense and Daniel outraced everyone to the end zone for his second touchdown of the game. The pass Trey threw was a tight spirol that that was right on the money catching Daniel in stride. The Panthers could of used him last week. The extra point failed but the White Falcons now had a 20- 7 lead. The Falcon Green team has been a second half team all season and this game would prove to be no exception. They put on their second drive of the half and Hank Booth scored on a terrific run down the sideline after a couple of 360 degree spins. Mitch Moore caught the extra point pass from Christian Farmer and the score was now 20-14. The Falcon Green defense was looking for a stop when Matthew Pedemonte pulled off the play of the game for the White Falcons. Matthew took a handoff and broke around the left end at his own 10 yard line. Matthew is one of the fastest players on the field but this was no stroll down the sideline. The Falcon Green defense was not about to let him score and the entire team stayed in pursuit. Mitch Moore had three different shots at Matthew and forced him to the inside. Several players had the angle and each time Matthew either faked or spun to keep going. Mitch had the final shot at the 5 yard line and just missed the flag as Matthew scored on a 90 yard run. This was an outstanding run at any level and was worthy of an ESPN highlight. The extra point failed but Matthew had given the White Falcons a 26-14 lead with only a few minutes left in the game. The Falcon Green team was not finished and quickly moved to the Falcon White’s 25 yard line. Three pass plays fell incomplete when Coach Tyson called a reverse to Ryan Brown. Ryan beat the defense around the left end and raced down the sideline for the game’s final touchdown.
The final score was 26-20 but I don’t think anyone really cared who scored the most points. It was the competition among friends that really mattered. I am not sure what words to use to describe the three games played between these two teams. They were inspirational to all involved and showed how sports should be played on and off the field. I am sure God had a hand in this and I am certain I saw the bleachers filled with angels. Parents, you should be proud of the attitude and effort your sons gave this season. I am once again honored to be a part of something special. Both teams participate in a Jamboree on Saturday when the season officially ends.
