By Sean Budlong
It was a game that appeared to be last team with the ball wins. However, after the Constantine Falcons kicked a field goal on the first possession of overtime, the Schoolcraft Eagles could not answer. Their season ended in a 31-28 loss.
“This feels terrible, a real learning experience,” Schoolcraft running back and linebacker Zach Parsons said. “We played well, but just didn’t make the plays when we needed to.” Parsons had a great game, carrying the rushing load for the Eagles including a 48-yard touchdown.
The Falcons and Eagles traded touchdowns throughout the first half, and when Schoolcraft’s Collin Tone recovered a fumble with 37 seconds remaining it looked like the Eagles would take a lead into the locker room. However, two passes from Ricky Clark to Nolan Anspaugh fell incomplete and the first half ended at 21-21.
The second half was all defense, and Zac Sharp’s 5-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter appeared to be all the Eagles would need to win. Constantine scored with only 1:39 left in the game to tie the game at 28-28. Schoolcraft drove from their own 34-yard line to the Falcon 24 in just one minute, but incurred 25 yards in penalties to force overtime.
Constantine had to settle for a field goal, as Tone, Ian Anspaugh, Thomas Meadows, and Brandon Verwey made great plays for the Eagle defense. Schoolcraft could not take advantage of having the last chance as Clark’s final pass of the season was intercepted in the end zone.