8U FALCONS FINISH SEASON 6-2
The Hinsdale 8U Falcons wrapped up an impressive season (finishing with a record of 6-2) with a 33-0 win over Lemont this past weekend. The victory was a team effort, with a number of Falcons scoring touchdowns, including Luke Schroeder (who scored two on the day), Cade Phelan, Cole Sherwood and Charlie Hillegass, who returned a fumble for a touchdown in the second quarter. RT Kouba also contributed to the scoring effort, catching a 2-point conversion from Connor Pauley. The offensive line, including Ben Vula, Keats Caruso, Michael Cannizaro, Parker Brey and Teddy O’Toole opened gaping holes for the Hinsdale backfield, where Wyland Holmes was able to fill in for a handful of impressive carries.
Hinsdale’s hard-hitting defense was equally impressive, pitching their third shutout in the last four games. Broderick Slavik was a madman from his position at safety, recording a number of crushing tackles. Other notable performers on the defensive side of the ball included Brooks Jaqua, Dan Campbell, Max Cantin, Michael D’Ombroski, Rocco and Duke Maggio, and Raj Chandarana. Henry Gastevski also recorded two interceptions from his position at safety.
We wish the Hinsdale Falcons good luck at their other sports during the off-season and are already looking forward to watching them in their 9U season in 2024.
9U FALCONS ARE on TO PLAYOFFS
A very tough Tri City team came to Hinsdale to spoil the 9U Falcons’ undefeated season, but the battle-tested Falcons met the challenge head on.
The win was a total team effort, as the Falcons were down a couple of key players due to illness. Luke Wanless bolted in on the opening possession from 60 yards out. A devastating block by Owen Moon paved the way. The defense closed the door quickly on the Chargers as Enzo Allegra, Henry Appel, Quinn Houser and JP Rago made big tackles to set the tone.
Back on offense, Billy Jaqua followed AJ Siepker, Brody Sobieraj and Dean Winfelder for a bruising 23-yard touchdown run. Nate Morris sprinted out and connected with Jack Slavik for the 2-point conversion and 14-0 early lead. The defense closed out the half with tight coverage by Massimo Buttitta and Kanas Zitkevicius.
The rest of the game John Dunn, Elijah Trombly, Grant Garber and Will Jones supplied the pressure on defense, with Cooper Milburn making a shutout saving tackle. Wanless closed out the scoring by scampering in from 35 yards out following a Tate Pitts pancake. Morris added the PAT for the 21-0 victory. Finishing the regular season 9-0 is a nice accomplishment. But these Falcons have their sights set on the Super Bowl.
10U Gold Falls in Season Finale
10U Gold D1 team had an exciting and hard-fought season finale against Lyons, showcasing a lot of effort on both sides of the ball. With injured teammate Owen Parry rooting them on, the Falcons’ defense, led by Soren Carlson, Keegan McCoskey, Ivan Burt, Sebastian Christensen and Christian Kirchev, set the tone early with some impactful hits. Additionally, Nate Thangamani, Keerthan Tucke, Bo Cuculich and Killian Byrne did a great job containing the Tigers offense, while the linebacking core, led by Ben Murphy, Teddy Ouimette and Grant Omiecinski, made crucial tackles to get their defense off the field.
On the offensive side, the O-line, led by Lukasz Gewont, Harrison Kuzniar, Christian Gernot and Jasper Maggio, played a physical style of football. Running backs Kellen Brown, Topher Allanson and Marcello Salamone ran aggressive and consistently moved the chains, although they fell short of reaching the end zone. Lyons managed to score just before halftime, which proved to be the deciding factor in the game.
Despite the challenges of being in the toughest division and undersized every week, these boys displayed incredible determination and spirit throughout the season. They continuously faced strong opposition and never backed down, showcasing what it means to be a Falcon.
The coaching staff is extremely proud of their efforts and looks forward to coaching these boys in the future.
10U SILVER MOVES ON TO PLAYOFFS
The Hinsdale Falcons 10u Silver team finished the regular season with a 33–13 win over Arlington Heights on Sunday.
The Falcons finished first overall and went undefeated in the regular season.
On offense, quarterback Sawyer Mhyra had a rushing and passing touchdown to lead the offense. Early in the first quarter, Danny McFarland caught a short pass, which he took the distance for a long touchdown. Great blocking from Will Rooney, Nico Will, Joey Hillegass, Hayden Sobieraj, Carter Cox and Parker Otzen allowed Jack O’Malley and Jacob Zager to find plenty of rushing yards, each scoring touchdowns on long runs.
The Falcon defense was harassing the Arlington Heights offense all game. Marco Oliverio, Rohan Sheth, Miles Perucki, Grant Garver, Luke Hanson, Blake Bazan, Theo Messeih, Viren Singh and Rahil Thakkar were responsible for making defensive plays, which happened early and often.
Arlington Heights attempted a fair number of passes, but the Falcon pass defense was ready for them. Leo Solorio, Rohn Ramani, Frankie Levato and Luca Striltschuk gave up a passing touchdown, but an interception returned for a touchdown by Striltschuk sealed Arlington Heights fate.
Ending the regular season with a win is huge for momentum as the Falcons head to the playoffs next weekend. Opponent, date and time are yet to be determined.
11U Gold D1 TEAM on to playoffs
In a battle for the top playoff seed, the Hinsdale Falcons 11U D1 Gold team (6-2) were beaten by Tri City, 27-14.
The teams traded body blows early but eventually the Chargers were too much for the Falcons, who will turn their focus to playoffs starting this week.
Hinsdale grabbed an early lead with Dillon Phelan connecting with Kellan Goodwin for a 85-yard catch and sprint, something Phelan and Goodwin have made a habit. The Chargers responded with a sustained drive that was kept alive by a fake punt, ending in a touchdown making the score 8-6. The Falcon offense answered with a drive of their own culminating in another Phelan-Goodwin strike, this one from 32 yards. A converted extra point made it 14-8 Falcons. The Chargers offense once again took advantage of fourth down conversions and were able to find the endzone before halftime to knot it up at 14-14.
Unfortunately, the second half was dominated by the undefeated Chargers. The Tri City offense was able to score twice in the third quarter, while the Falcon offense was unable to score, despite strong running from Michael Kipnis and blocking from Torsten Wood, Grant Wanless, Connor Gaylord, Ben Kurinsky and Sal Calandriello. The Falcon defense was led by Charlie Lynch and Grant Kirchheimer with Dominic Cresap registering three pass break-ups. The Falcons enter the playoffs as one of the favorites.
11U GOLD D2 FALL IN FINAL CONTEST
The Falcons flew into Lombard’s Madison Meadows Park through some tough wind looking for a victory.
Brady Madden and Spencer Marnell shared the quarterback duties on this final game of the season and both shined in their performance, leading the offense on impressive touchdown drives. When the wind was in the Falcons’ favor, Madden spread the ball around to many receivers throughout the day, including dimes to Grayson Danek, Matt Wiskowski, Bennet Shepherd, Colin Boots and Marnell. The 30-yard wheel route to Marnell for the touchdown was a thing of beauty.
The running game helped keep the team moving, with Wiskowski and Danek supported by a strong push by the offensive line led by Rayan Sheik, Dom Angelletti, Alex Vivanco, Ryan Sweiten and Massimo Burdi. The line was playing like a strong unit against the heavy defensive line of Lombard.
The defense held strong against the powerful running attack. A blocked punt and fumble gave Lombard a couple of short fields to capitalize on. The defense, led by Ryan Pieczikowski, Nick Carbonara, Leo Yanklowitz, Luke Lieberenz, Giancarlo Turano III, Gavin Schuler and Kaine Ortega, deserves a ton of credit for the effort.
In the end The Falcons came up short 22-14 to finish out the 2023 campaign. Can’t wait to see what these kids do next year. Go Falcons!
11U SILVER STILL ON WINNING STREAK
Downers Grove rolled into town to face a Falcons team riding a win streak into the final weekend of the regular season.
Injured captains Bennett Zeikus and James West helped to win the toss and elected to receive. The Hinsdale offense was led by linemen Augie Seraphin, Chase Mitchell, Jacob Tarnowski, Nick Rachford, Samir Chandarana and Graham Ellis. Quarterback Bruno Hoban opened the scoring with a 45-yard touchdown pass to Brayden Merchant. Yeabsira Diedrich converted a kick to bring the score to 8-0.
On defense, linebackers Burke Brotschul, Finn Caruso and Logan Sullivan blitzed the DG offense into negative yardage and a turnover on downs. Sullivan powered his way between the tackles for a quick touchdown, bringing the score to 14-0.
Defensive linemen Gabriel Burdi and Jerry Wang made trouble up the middle for the Panthers running game, forcing DG to throw into the “no fly zone” of Max Hull, Teddy Sodikoff and Lucas Spatara.
Receiver Dane Graham carried the ball for big gains, setting up a Diedrich touchdown pass to Spatara in the corner of the endzone for a 22-0 score.
Hoban would connect with Merchant yet again to set up Hinsdale on the 1. He capped the drive with a QB sneak and his first rushing touchdown, giving Hinsdale the 28-14 win.
