Saratoga News

Sports

Big first half sparks Falcons to lopsided win over Vikes

By Brad Wall

For the first three minutes of the game, it appeared as if the Lynbrook Vikings would be able to go toe-to-toe with the Saratoga Falcons. However, thanks to several big plays on offense and a suffocating defense, the Falcons crushed the Vikings 41-14.

From the first series of the game, it was apparent the Falcons (5-4, 4-2) were determined to make a statement against the Vikings (1-4, 4-5).

After having their opening drive of the game stall at their own 45-yard-line, the Falcons pulled off a fake punt with running back Jeff Frederickson raking the ball 45-yards down the field for a Falcon first-and-goal.

However, on his first pass of the game Kevin Sieczkarek threw a bullet pass that bounced off wide receiver Alex Lagemann and into the hands of Vikings defensive back Bryan Snyder.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, Snyder ran the ball out of the end zone and was dragged down by Lagemann at the Lynbrook 5-yard-line.

Instead of having a first down at their 20-yard-line, the Vikings were backed up in the shadows of their own goal post.

The Falcons defense completely shut down the Vikings offense and aided by a partially blocked punt, the Falcons got the ball at the Vikings 35-yard-line.

After that, Sieczkarek and Lagemann went to work.

On third-and-five Sieczkarek completed a 20-yard pass to Lagemann and, after two running plays, he threw a dart to Lagemann through the Viking defense for an 11-yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead.

Thanks to the dominating defensive play of Frederickson, Kourosh Asahdel, Gabe Essner, Zack Kowitz, Sean Nasiri and Sean Casserly, the Falcons quickly dismissed any possibilities of a Viking comeback.

The Falcon defense was oppressive as they demolished every play the Vikings attempt to run, holding the Vikings to 18 yards of offense in the first quarter.

"They played really well," said Falcon head coach Kurt Heinrich of his defense. "[They were] really active and tackled well."

With the defense forcing another three-and-out, the Falcon offense was back in business at their 35-yard-line.

It only took one spectacular play for Sieczkarek and Lagemann to connect on another touchdown pass.

Sieczkarek threw a quick slant pass to Lagemann that led him a little too much. Lagemann simply reached out and caught the ball with one hand, and without breaking stride raced down the center of the field for a 65-yard touchdown.

The extra point was missed, but it didn't matter. The score was 13-0 and the rout was on.

"He's one of the best--if not the best--wide receiver in CCS," said Heinrich about Lagemann. "He really loves the game and he works really hard; that's why he's going to Cal on a full ride."

The Falcon defense forced another three-and-out and the Falcons opened the second quarter with an 85-yard drive capped off by a 45-yard touchdown run by Lagemann on an end around.

After forcing a fumble with 7:04 left in the second quarter the Falcons had a 19-0 lead and the Vikings only had 14 yards of offense.

To complicate matters for the Vikings, their star running back Kevin Rahbar was knocked out of the game on the Falcons two-point attempt after their third touchdown.

"It hurts our running and our passing because he's also our leading receiver," said Vikings head coach Ray Wright.

From there, the Falcons scored two more--first on a 15-yard touchdown run by Frederickson and then a 20-yard touchdown reception by Casserly from Matt Casas.

The Falcons were clicking on all cylinders as they rolled into the locker room. Their offense had put 34 points on the board and their defense had only surrendered 48 yards.

To their credit, the Vikings didn't give up.

"All I said was 'go win the second half,' " said Wright.

Down 34-0 and with their main cog on offense out for the game, the Vikings took the opening drive of the second half and marched 85-yards on 15-plays with Scott Day scoring on a tough 1-yard touchdown plunge.

Day ran courageously in replacing the injured Rahbar, gaining 33 yards on 10 carries with one touchdown.

However, despite the Vikings renewed energy, the Falcons were not going to be denied.

Casas hit Casserly on a beautiful fade route for a 23-yard touchdown pass that punctuated a six-play, 67-yard drive.

Down 41-7 in the fourth quarter, the Vikings again rallied. After George Liaw recovered a Falcon fumble at the Falcon 44-yard-line, the Vikings moved the ball down to the Falcon 15.

On third down, Viking quarterback Greg Wallis avoided the pass rush, rolled to his right and hit a diving Day for a 15-yard touchdown reception for the final points of the game as they lived up to Wright's challenge.

"[It's] the most resilient team I've ever coached," said Wright. "They'll keep fighting when boxed into a corner."

Sieczkarek led the way for the Falcons going 4 of 8 for 102 yards and two touchdowns while Casas went 4 for 4 for 45 yards and two touchdowns.

Lagemann had a great day with four catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns and two carries for 38 yards and one touchdown.

In addition to his two touchdown catches, Casserly also had two sacks. The Falcons ground game was led by Frederickson, who had eight carries for 87 yards and one touchdown.

The Vikings were led by Day, who in addition to his 33 yards rushing added two catches for 15 yards and one touchdown. After a rough start, Wallis rallied, going 8 for 19 for 73 yards and one touchdown.

The Falcons will wrap up the regular season by hosting Gunn on Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m., and the Vikings will wrap up their season on the road against Fremont Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m.