The first ever league pizza party banquet was held in the high school cafeteria and was a rousing success

Each team was responsible for bringing food or beverage. The Falcons were responsible for deserts and snacks. There was plenty of food to go around.

We need to thank the Recreation Department for sanctioning the event and getting us permission to use the cafeteria. And we want to thank ALL the parents that helped and contributed. And a very special thanks to Mrs. Shestina, who coordinated the entire event. She has been a great help to the league

The coaches of each of the teams handed out certificates of participation to each of their players, and the boys in turn gave presents to the coaches. The Falcons coaches recieved trophies recognizing the teams undefeated season.

It was a celebration, but also a sad occassion to say goodbye to old and new friends until next year. The league also has announced this is the last year of the 4th/5th grade league. Next year they will be absorbed into a 5th/6th grade league that is currently the 6th/7th grade league. The 7th grader will either join the 8th grade league, or become a travel team unto itself. No finalization has been made, yet. Nothing will be known for sure until after the 1st of the year when the Board meets to discuss the different recommendations. The future of the current coaches is unclear. We hope they all return.

We wish to thank the kids, yet again, for a GREAT year ********************************************************************************************************
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FALCON NEWS FOR November 7, 2006

LEAGUE BANQUET TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 17th!!!....

The league announced that it will be holding a Football Banquet for the 4th/5th grad league on Friday, Novemember 17, 2006 in the Main Caffeteria of the high school beginning at 6:30 pm.

Each team will be responsible for bringing something. The Falcons are responsible for deserts and snacks.


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FALCON NEWS FOR November 6, 2006

UNDEFEATED CHAMPS !!!!....

The Falcons, sparked by beautiful weather and football under the lights and led by yet another first play touchdown by Deanti Powell, a long touchdown run by Emmitt O'Donnell, and a clutch catch and touchdown run by Matt Shestina, and a suffocating defense, to play their best game of year thus establishing themselves as undisputed, undefeated champions of 2006 with a hard fought, well deserved 18-0 shutout over the Lions.

The Falcons took advantage of the Lions having played on Saturday and the loss of their quarterback and safety, going to their speed game right away with Deanti Powell taking the first play from scrimmage around right end to the house for a 65yd touchdown and a 6-0 lead.

The Falcons are not normally a passing team, but relied on the passing game to help them score again. After shutting down the Lions vaunted running game mid-way through the 2nd quarter The Falcons came up with another big play to not only keep a drive alive, but score. Faced with 3d and long from the Lion 20 yard line, quarterback and co-captain Johnny Liber threw a perfect strike to fellow co-captain and tight end Matt Shestina, who then fought through 3 tacklers to not only make a first down, but get into the end zone to give the Falcons a 12-0 lead at halftime. This was their second hookup of the game. Their first also resulted in a first down.

But, the name of the game tonight was defense that stuffed the Lion running game all but in its tracks. The Lion offense never got out of its own territory and were forced to punt on all but one possession, making only one first down. Overall, this was the team's finest performance of the year.

Their lone hope, was the Falcons lone miscue. After a long sustained drive by the Falcons to the Lion 3 yeard line near the end of the 3d quarter, Emmitt O'Donnell fumbled right before he crossed the goal line and the Lions recovered in their end zone for a touchback. The ball came out to the 50, but their drive stalled out 4 plays later on the Falcon 45.

Soon after, to start the 4th quarter, Emmitt made up for his miscue. After a drive from the Falcon 45 to the Lion 45, and following the blocking of Powell up the middle, O'Donnell broke clean, cut left and it was off to the races the remaining 40 yards for the touchdown. It was the icing on the cake, giving the Falcons an 18-0 lead, and the 2006 Championship.

This marked the first time in the 3 year history of the league, that anyone but the Bulldogs had won the championship and also the first time in league history that anyone has gone undefeated. The Falcons outscored their opponants 83-18 this year, for a 16-3 score per game average.

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FALCON NEWS FOR November 5, 2006

ITS THE FALCONS vs THE !!!!....

The Falcons finally know who'll they'll be facing come in the Championship Game on Monday Night.

The Lions defeated The Bulldogs 7-0, thus paving the way for yet another showdown. The Falcons defeated The Lions twice already this season, but that matters not now. These are two evenly matched teams.

The team is asked to bring a change of clothes because equipment turn-in will immediately follow the game. The teams will use the visitors lockerrooms.

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FALCON NEWS FOR November 3, 2006

FALCONS CELEBRATE LAST PRACTICE WITH PIZZA PARTY !!!!....

The Falcons celebrated their last practice of the season with a pizza party. Fun was had by all.

It also marks the end of an era. According to plans, this league will no longer exist come next season. The plan calls for the 7th graders to join the 8th grade traveling team. And for the upper league to become a 5th/6th grade league. Which would officially end the 4th/5th grade league after 3 years. There is also plans to do away with the current practice field at Emerson in order to make way for a newly designed baseball field and parking lot.

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FALCON NEWS FOR October 28, 2006

FALCONS HOLD ON 7-6 !!!!....

The Falcons fought through the cold, the wind, the rain, the loss of starting RB/OL Emmit O'Donnell, the reshuffling of positions on both sides of the ball, and a very determined Bulldog team to eek out a hard fought 7-6 win to stay unbeaten going into the playoffs.

O'Donnell could not play because of illness. His place was taken by Deanti Powell, with Matt Shestina moving to FB. It payed off in the first quarter as Powell rumbled 65 yards for what turned out to be the only touchdown of the day for the Falcons, making the score 7-0. QB Johnny Liber snuck over for the extra point that proved to be the crutial.

That was the highlight for the Falcons on offense. The Bulldogs immediately answered on a 65 yard TD run of their own on a QB sneak. The extra point failed, making the score 7-6 by the end of the 1st quarter.

But, the Falcons came up with the biggest play and the game winner near the end of the 4th quarter, when DE Matt Shestina sliced in and stripped the ball out of the QB hands on a 2nd and goal from the Falcon 1 yard line. The Falcons took over within inches of their own goal line. But, an offsides on the defense, followed by a unsportsmanlike conduct call, gave the Falcons the ball at the 30. Johnny Liber followed with a long run to the 50. But, it wasnt over just yet. The team downed the ball with only 30 seconds left in the game, but it was 4th down and the clock stopped on the change of possesion, giving the Bulldogs one last crack at it. Two pass plays were broken up to preserve the Falcons with the victory

The Falcons meet the winner of next saturday's Lions-Bulldogs playoff in The Championship game, on Monday November 6th at 6pm.

The Falcons would like to thank Mr. Yocabet and Mrs. Dodrill for their sharing pictures with the team. And to all the parents that have contributed with snacks and drinks all year.

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FALCON NEWS FOR October 21, 2006

FALCONS CLINCH FIRST PLACE !!!!....

The Falcons clinched their 3d straight regular season first place finish and 2nd trip to the championship game with a very hard fought 13-6 win over the Lions.

After a two weeks without a game, the Falcons fought one of their toughest defensive games of the year. The Lions ate up the entire quarter moving the ball, but finally stalled out at the Falcon 30 yard line. In the 2nd quarter the Falcons were unable to move the ball very far. But, after a Lion fumble, recovered by Defensive End Matt Shestina, Fullback Deanti Powell broke his first of 2 long TD runs and Quarterback John Liber scored the extra point to give the Falcons the lead at halftime 7-0.

The third quarter was once again a monsterous defensive battle, with both teams making big defensive play and hard hits. Both teams were able to move the ball only in small amounts, and unable to break any big plays.

But, the Falcons came up with the biggest play and the game winner midway through the 4th quarter, when FB Deanti Powell scored his 2nd TD on a reverse for 50 yards, just outrunning the defense. But, when the extra point failed, the nail biting began.

With just over 3 minutes left in the game, the Lions on the verge of collapse, broke a long run around end by Quarterback Jacob Schmidt to the Falcon 30. Then their power game took over, finally resulting in a Lion touchdown with only 40 seconds remaining in the game. Liber knelt down to run out the clock and preserve the game.

The Falcons meet the Bulldogs to end the regular season this week. Then have a bye for the 1st round of the playoffs, with the Lions playing the Bulldogs. The winner of that game faces the Falcons in The Championship game played Wedensday night, November 8th
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FALCON NEWS FOR October 16, 2006

YOUTH FOOTBALL NIGHT FRIDAY 13TH !!!!.... Fun was had by the ENTIRE Lakewood Middle School Tackle Football family at the annual Youth Night at Lakewood Varsity Football game on Friday the 13th. Well, the varsity didnt have fun losing to Mentor 56-7, but the kids sure did, as they always do.

They got to run on the field at the beginning of the game, after being introduced, and then forming a human 'tunnel' for the varsity players to run through on their way to the bench. The kids were also treated to a free hot dog and pop. It was a nice way for the entire league to enjoy a night of fun together
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FALCON NEWS FOR October 11, 2006

YOUTH FOOTBALL NIGHT FRIDAY 13TH !!!!.... The Lakewood Recreation Football League has been invited again this year to attend the Lakewood Ranger - Mentor Cardinal game on Friday October 10th at 7 pm. Teams will be allowed on the field and form a 'tunnel' for the Lakewood players to run through onto the field. For further details, click HERE

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FALCON NEWS FOR October 2, 2006

FALCONS WIN 2ND IN ROW 33-6 !!!!....

In an awsome display of power and speed, the Falcons thoroughly whipped the Bulldogs 33-6.

Emmitt O'Donnell scored 3 TDs and Deanti Powell scored 2 more, including on the very first play of the game, a 65 yard sprint to the end zone.

The defense gave up its 1st TD of the year on a pass play in the 2nd quarter, but held the bulldogs in check the rest of the game, including an interception returned for a TD by Mason Onyx, only to have it called back by a penalty.

The team now has 2 consecutive bye weeks before taking on the Lions again on October 14th. The Falcons sit alone in 1st place at 2-0

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FALCON NEWS FOR September 26, 2006

YOUTH FOOTBALL NIGHT !!!!.... The Lakewood Recreation Football League has been invited to attend the 8th grade middle school game on Tuesday October 10th at 7 pm. Its a team function and we will go right from practice that night. Since we are asked to wear our jerseys, please bring them with you to practice. Further details will follow.


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FALCON NEWS FOR September 25, 2006

PICTURE DAY THIS SATURDAY !!!!.... Coach Tellep will be handing out schedules for picture day THIS saturday at Lakewood High School Field. The Falcons are scheduled for 9 am (game time is 10 am). The players MUST be there PRIOR to 9 O'clock!!!!

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FALCON NEWS FOR September 23, 2006

FALCONS WIN OPENER 12-0 !!! ....

It was a long month till that first game, but well worth it!!!

The Falcons started slow, but thanks to TD runs by Emmitt O'Donnell and Johnny Liber and a stiff defense, the Falcons won their opening game 12-0

Opening game jitters cause the offense to sputter the first half, plagued by penalties and fumbles and missed opportunities. They were more successful the 2nd half. Emmitt O'Donnell, playing his first game for the Falcons broke two very long runs, one in the 1st half, and the other in the 2nd. They couldnt score in the 1st half, but were successful in the 2nd. Emmitt topped off his 50 yard scamper with a 10 yard run for the touchdown that put the Falcons ahead

Then in the 4th quarter, veteran captain quarterback and safety Johnny Liber, took a punt back 40 yards to cap the scoring.

But, the REAL story of the day was the defense. Facing a much bigger team that had crushed the Bulldogs in its opener, they held the Lion offense to 4 first downs the entire game, and only once did the lions come near the 50 yard line. Holding their excellent quarterback, and speedburner, Steve Schmidt to only 2 runs over 10 yards, and sacking him often in the backfield, the defense kept the offense in the game till it finally could break free for a score.

The win gives the Falcons sole possession of first place, for the time being. Next week's opponant is the arch-rival Bulldogs. The Falcons have had giant struggles with this team over the thier brief history, and this one stacks up as no different.

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FALCON NEWS FOR September 20, 2006

SCRIMMAGE WITH BULLDOGS TODAY .... We WILL be scrimmaging the Bulldogs today. EVERYONE please be there!!! This is our last 'tune up' before our first game Saturday against the Lions. Please be there BY 5:30pm
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FALCON NEWS FOR September 12, 2006

PRACTICE SCHEDULE CHANGED .... Due to scheduling conflicts with the practice field, and the coming of fall, the coaches will begin a new practice schedule beginning NEXT MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2006

The NEW practice schedule will now be Monday, Tuesday and Wednsday ......5:30pm - 7:00pm. PLEASE REMEMBER. ********************************************************************************************************
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FALCON NEWS FOR September 6, 2006

2006 SCHEDULE .... The 2006 Lakewood Recreational Department Tackle Football League Schedule has been posted on the web site. You can check it out here

Due to the fact there are only 3 teams in the league this season, and there is a bye for all youth football at the high school next week, The Falcons will not play their actual game until September 23d versus The Lions (Flash) at 3pm at the high school.

HOWEVER.....there WILL be a 'practice' THIS saturday at 9 am ON THE HIGH SCHOOL FIELD. Only helmets, and game jerseys required. NO OTHER EQUIPMENT NECESSARY. The team not playing a game, will be able to use the field for a scrimmage or practice as they see fit. The Lions and Bulldogs play immediately following.

The coaches as that you have your player AT the field BY 9am so they can be ready to go.

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FALCON NEWS FOR September 4, 2006

2006 SEASON BEGINS.... The 2006 Lakewood Recreational Department Tackle Football League Season has begun with the drafting of new players and practices. The first game will be saturday september 9th. Schedule has yet to be announced.

Practices will be held Tues, Wed, and Thurs at 6pm.

We welcome all the new players and their parents.

You can check out who is playing on which team on the League Roster Page here

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FALCON NEWS FOR August 24, 2006

FORMER BROWN VISITS PRACTICE.... Former Cleveland Browns standout guard, Dan Fike, visited practice Thursday and was an immediate hit with the kids and parents alike.

Even though the boys had no idea who Mr. Fike was, having played 10 years before any of them were born, they quickly understood and warmed up to him and had many questions about playing professional football.

Thanks to a parent of one of the boys on the Lions, Mr. Fike volunteered to talk to the boys about football and the importance of doing well in school. He took questions, then signed autographs and posed for pictures. The parents were as excited as the kids.

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FALCON NEWS FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 4, 2006

2006 SEASON BEGINS.... The 2006 Lakewood Recreational Department Tackle Football League Season begins August 12th with equipment handouts. August 15th begins tryouts. See you then!!!!

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