The Central Falcons defeated the previously unbeaten Darien-Delavan Comets 27-20 in Southern Lakes Conference play.
The Falcons fell behind early on a 2 yard touchdown by electric half back Justin Fowlkes to finish a 65 yard drive. Jared Zirbel of the Falcons blocked the extra point. The Comets took a 12-0 lead on 92 yard pass completion from Kyndle Bennett to Jordan Hesebeck after a Falcon deflected the pass. The Falcons worked their way back into the game, with an effective running game started to wear down the Comets. The first score by the Falcons was the result of Austin Damaschke running 2 yards to paydirt and Tyler Schoenke with the extra point. In the second half the Falcons took the kickoff and went on a 7 minutes 23 seconds drive with running by Zirbel and Damaschke, with a key 19-yard reception by Jason Castona, finished off by Damaschke with another 2 yard touchdown run, to go up 13-12. The Falcons moved out to a 20-12 lead with Jared Zirbel scoring on a tough 2 yard run. The Comets came back with another huge pass play with the Bennett to Hesebeck connection on a 79-yard scoring strike and a two- point conversion run by Marcus McLin to tie the game at 20 with 1:56 left to go in the game. The Comets kick went to the Falcons Sean Flahive who had a nice return to the Comets 49. After a run play, the Falcons went to their playmakers again, with Damaschke throwing to Castona for a 30-yard completion down to the 18. Then using Castona as a decoy on an inside route, Jared Zirbel cirlced outside and was wide open for an 18- yard touchdown catch; the extra point by Schoenke made it 27-20. With a kickoff return by the dangerous McLin to the Comets 43, they could not get any further. Delavan was forced to throw, and with no timeouts remaining failed to get a first down. Central took over on downs and took a knee to run out the clock. With the win the Falcons move to 5-3, 4-2 in conference and qualify for the State Playoffs. After the win Coach Scott Mirkes got a Gatorade bath as a part of the celebration. Coach Mirkes commented that this group of players and especially the seniors have really battled and is such a quality group of kids, and he is really proud of the way they have worked this year.
The Falcons now look forward to a huge rivalry game on Wednesday against the Wilmot Panthers. The Panthers defeated Burlington Friday 15 to 12, and bring in an identical record when they visit the Falcons.
Delavan moves to 7-1 and 5-1 in conference with a final game against Elkhorn.
