Falcons 83 use second-half bounce back for win

After a tightly played first half against Schaumburg, Streamwood Falcons 83 ran off 20 unanswered points in the second half of its Oct. 19 game to improve to 6-2 on the season.

Streamwood's first-year tackle team came from behind twice thanks to strong contributions on offense, defense and special teams to turn a 12-7 halftime deficit into a 27-12 win in the team's regular season home finale at Rice Field.

After Schaumburg 1 (4-4) scored on its opening drive, Elijah Earl turned a broken play into a 45-yard touchdown. Adyn Avina converted the extra point to give Streamwood a 7-6 lead. The Vikings quickly responded with a long touchdown run for a 12-7 advantage they held until halftime.

Falcons 83 wasted no time jumping back in front after halftime when Avina scampered 54 yards to score. The extra point made it 14-12, but Streamwood wasn't done. Ryne Campana added 37-yard and 1-yard touchdown runs to put game out of reach in the fourth quarter.

The Falcons offense ran for a season-high 247 yards, with Brett Phillips, Anthony Tovar and Oscar Villalpando also adding solid efforts on the ground. On defense, Avant Winters led the team with five tackles. Joey Kidd recovered a Schaumburg fumble, as well as a first-quarter onside kick that set up good field position for Streamwood.

“Our boys really hung in there in the first half and came out roaring in the second half to get us this win,” Falcons 83 Coach Regan Earl said. “That shows how much they've grown this season. All the coaches are proud of this team and their effort.”

The NWYFL regular season concludes on Saturday when the Falcons travel to face Palatine 3 (3-5). Streamwood currently sits in a three-way tie for the league's second-best record. Postseason details have not yet been finalized.

For more information on the Streamwood Falcons, visit www.streamwoodfalcons.com. Contact Falcons 83 Head Coach Regan Earl at falconshc85@yahoo.com.