Falcons snap losing streak against Central Eagles
Receiver Markis Wells stiff-arming his defender to run in a touchdown. SHOT BY B. KOLE
Receiver Jamascus Brown breaking a tackle for a touchdown. SHOT BY B. KOLE
By Brayson Aldrich
An emotional game was played as the Central Eagles visited the Falcon’s nest Friday to kick off the 2023 Football season. Going into this game, the Falcons were yet to win a football game since their close win over the North Myrtle Beach Chiefs in 2019. Before the football game, recognition was given to all former and current military personnel and first responders who were in attendance, with the national anthem being performed by Darlington High School’s marching band. With nerves high, the game started with dominant performances by both teams’ defenses. After a turnover on the ball, Central was able to capitalize with a touchdown late into the quarter. Going to the 2nd quarter, another touchdown came from Central after an unsuccessful punt by the Falcons. The Falcons then began to pick up the momentum with a pair of touchdowns from Wide Receivers Jamascus Brown and Markis Wells, allowing for the Falcons to be up 14-12 going into halftime. The 3rd quarter started with cramping injuries for a few of the Falcon’s starters, such as Receiver Keenan Dubose and Quarterback Jaylen Augustus. Nevertheless, The Falcons rallied together to get a pair of touchdowns courtesy of Running Back Troy Hailey and Wide Receiver Jamascus Brown. Central scored once again in the 4th quarter to put the score at 28-20, but the Falcons rode high on their momentum and scored another touchdown late into the quarter to put the final score at 34-20. A dominant display from both sides of the ball as well as great play calling from the coaching staff helped propel the Falcons to this win. When asked how this win felt, Linebacker Jershad Kennedy, a vocal leader on defense and on the team said, “Man, it feels great. The execution, the discipline, it’s all been there. The guys buying in on offense, Jaylen Augustus, Keenan Dubose and my defensive guys in Marquavis Bacote and Nygel Mcfadden. All of us are turned up. This ain’t it, I’ll tell you that.”