Falcons expected to keeping airing it out

An enthusiastic group of Nation Ford Falcons huddled together yelling and screaming, getting each other pumped up near the end zone on their field to open the 2015 season Saturday with their first full football practice.

Head coach Michael Allen said he was happy to see that type of enthusiasm on the first full day of practice.

Nation Ford then split into offense and defense, with different aspects of the team going with their skill coaches to work on fundamentals.

The offense that led the team last year seemed to pick right back up where it left off last season, already running plays as quarterback Cole Martin hit receivers Hank Tuipulotu and Jordan Helms, marching the team down the field at the end of practice.

Allen said he likes what he is seeing from seniors like Martin and others. “I like the enthusiasm and leadership,” he said.

Allen said the goal is to work on the puzzle as a team and put the pieces in the right places.

Nation Ford is looking to bounce back from a 2-9 season in which its offense posted 35 points a game but was hurt by the defense in the majority of games, as the Falcons gave up more than 60 points on four separate occasions.

Allen said that, in general, the team is ready to get the season underway after going through the summer workouts and 7-on-7 tournaments.

“They are chomping at the bit to get there,” he said.

Before the regular season starts, Nation Ford will have several tests on both offense and defense to see how they rebound from last year, with two scrimmages, one on the road and one at home.

The Falcons will host Fairfield-Central in a scrimmage at 9 a.m. Friday, then travel to Mallard Creek the following week.

Nation Ford opens its season Aug. 21 at home against South Pointe. The Falcons’ first three games are at home before hitting the road for the first time against Greenville on Sept. 11.

This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 8:38 PM with the headline "Falcons expected to keeping airing it out."