[Football] Falcon Football Wins In O.T.!
If you wanted to start your season with as much excitement as possible then all you had to do was attend the Friends University versus Doane College football game Saturday night at Adair-Austin stadium.
The Falcons of Friends University defeated the Tigers of Doane College (NE) 24-21 in overtime to kick off the 2013 football season.
Doane, ranked #20 in the NAIA polls and picked 3rd in the rugged Great Plains Athletic Conference did little to show they deserved that ranking after one quarter of play as Friends University held a 6-0 lead.
The Falcons came into this season with a nice blend of returners and new faces who have worked hard during the preseason to mesh as a unit. It was apparent their work was paying off as junior quarterback Aaron Hansen, starting his first game as a Falcon connected with Thomas Hankerson, a returning junior running back in the second quarter on a screen pass that resulted in Hankerson slicing his way through the Tiger defense for a 71-yard touchdown. Friends University's attempt for a two point conversion failed and the Falcons held a 12-0 lead going into halftime.
The second half began with Doane attempting to control the line of scrimmage with running plays. The Tigers made some adjustments at halftime which seemed to aid them in moving the ball, but unable to put points on the board through the end zone. Instead Doane had to settle for field goals of 46 and 30 yards proving the Falcon defense might bend but not break. After three quarters of play Friends University held a 12-6 lead.
The fourth quarter proved that every minute and every second of each play is critical as both teams battled to gain control of the game. Doane took the first swing in their attempts to control the contest as the Tigers scored on a 12-yard touchdown pass. With the extra point the Tigers finally took the lead 13-12.
Friends University responded with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Hanson to wide receiver Chris Allen. The extra point attempt was blocked but the Falcons regained the lead 18-13.
Late in the game it appeared Friends University was going to win. The Falcon defense had held once again and the Falcon offense prepared to run out the clock by downing the football on each play forcing Doane to exhaust each of their timeouts. Faced with a fourth down deep in their own territory Friends University elected to have punter Derek Racette take a safety in the end zone with 31 seconds remaining in the game. The intent was to allow the Falcons a free kick and not risk a punt block at that point of the contest. Racette took the snap, scampered around the end zone in an effort to use as much time off the clock as possible, and took the safety which gave Doane College two points. Leading 18-15 with 31 seconds remaining Friends University kicked the ball to Doane College, which set the stage for the unexpected.
The Tiger offense attempted to move the ball as close as possible to allow their sophomore field goal kicker a chance to tie the game. With one second remaining on the clock Doane lined up for a 49-yard field goal. A clean snap and placement allowed the Tigers to kick the ball through the uprights and force overtime.
In the extra period Doane College received the ball first, lining up on the 25-yard line to begin their series of downs. Unsuccessful in moving the ball to the end zone the Tigers attempted and made a 35-yard field goal for a 21-18 lead.
With their offense trotting on to the field the Falcons now had the opportunity to determine if a field goal to tie or touchdown to win would determine their fate.
Friends University began their possession on the 25-yard line but found the Tiger defense fired up to stop any progression towards the end zone. The Falcons could muster only two yards on three downs.
On fourth down and nine yards to go from the 23-yard line the Hansen to Allen combination which had worked well throughout the game once again paid off as the quarterback hit the receiver for a 17-yard gain and a first down to the Tiger six yard line.
Reenergized the Friends University offensive line lowered their heads and dug in to force the Tiger defense back on their heels, eventually allowing running back Thomas Hankerson to score from a yard out.
The stadium erupted as it appeared the Falcons had won the game. Then the officials gathered to confer if Hankerson lost the ball before going into the end zone. Falcon players, coaches and fans collectively held their breath as the officials discussed the play. Finally after what seemed an eternity the referee signaled touchdown and the game was over. Friends University had secured a 24-21 overtime victory against a team ranked in the national polls. There was tremendous joy and elation by the Falcon faithful.
In making his debut Aaron Hanson proved he could help move the football with pinpoint passing. Hansen finished the night 13 of 26 for 261 yards and two touchdowns. The Friends University running game was strong and supported by a stable of running backs led by Hankerson's 27 carries for 196 yards.
For the Friends University faithful it was an exciting night filled with highlights and nail biting plays.
The Falcons will have little time to enjoy the victory as they must now prepare for the KCAC versus Heart of America matchup next week. Friends University will play host to Benedictine College at 6:00 p.m. at Adair-Austin stadium.