WEST CATHOLIC WINS! 

On Friday the Falcons traveled to Edwardsburg for the 2023 season opener taking on the Eddies in week one just like the 2022 season. Coming away with a win in dominant fashion, West Catholic is now 1-0 on the season after winning 56-12. 

Kicking off to start the game, the Falcons had Edwarsburg's offense in a 3rd and long situation on their first drive, but a converted pass moved the chains and eventually led to a 6-0 lead for the Eddies. The defense rallied though and kept Edwardsburg from converting the 2-point conversion try. 

On the first offensive drive for the Falcons it only took two play as running back, Charlie DeBruyn took it to the house for the score on a 47-yard rushing touchdown. Up 7-0, West Catholic forced a punt and scored once again making it 14-6 on a short touchdown run by Mike Murphy. 

In the second quarter, the Falcons ran away with the game as they totaled 35 points and held Edwardsburg to zero points and did so until late in the fourth quarter. Connor Olszewski scored on a 10-yard run, Charlie DeBruyn found the endzone again after a 40-yard interception for a touchdown, Mike Murphy scored a second touchdown, and then DeBruyn added his third touchdown of the game with Carter Perry also scoring just before the half. 

A 49-6 score at the half, West Catholic received the ball once again and Junior running back David Britenfield capped of the offensive scoring attack with a 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of his own.  

Defensively, the Falcons dominated this game with suffocating run-defense. Led by Nolan Rinehart who tallied 10 total tackles with Chris Schaub and Gabe Schwieters chipping in seven tackles each, West had several other key contributors keep the Eddies out of the endzone. At quarterback, Alek Wickstrom helped the offense stay hot by completing six of his eight pass attempts for 115 yards and a score through the air. 

In summary, West Catholic tallied 355 yards and held the Eddies to 289 yards on their way to a convincing season opener. The Falcons are back in action this coming Friday, September 1 when visiting Grand Rapids Union comes to Falcon Stadium for a 7:00pm non-conference tilt.