“Sierra Lutheran Falcons Soar to First Football Victory”
By Shelby Jones
On Saturday, September 5th, the Falcons made history by winning their first football game. Playing against North Tahoe, Sierra Lutheran tripled their points of last season in this first game. During the first quarter of the non-conference game, it was tied 12-12, both touchdowns scored by junior Alex Westre. In the second quarter, the Falcons scored another touchdown, this time a receiving touchdown by junior Jake Cummings. In the third quarter, North Tahoe scored one touchdown and one conversion. By the fourth quarter, it was 18-20, Falcons down by two points. Sierra Lutheran made a run and junior Ryan Salerno scored the final touchdown, bringing the score to 24-20. With about 40 seconds left, the Falcons decided that quarterback kneels were the best strategy, running out the clock and winning their first official game in Sierra Lutheran football history.
Falcons head coach Jacob Schumacher said, “The game was very evenly matched. We are both very young and very inexperienced teams, so the game could have gone either way. It came down to whoever made the least amount of mistakes.” As the program begins its second year, Schumacher explained, “It is a testament to our heart and determination to turn the ball over five times and still come out on top. The kids played hard, and they came from behind to win the game. Now they know how much work it takes to become successful on the field.”
Stats: Quarterback Ryan Salerno led the team with 14 complete passes, earning 174 passing yards, 182 rushing yards, 3 fumbles, and a touchdown.
Jake Cummings had 58 passing yards, 1 punt earning 41 yards, and a receiving pass to a touchdown. ZachFerenz had 15 tackles. Cole Contreras had 3 interceptions, 66 receiving yards, and 1 fumble. Alex Westre had 2 touchdowns and 5 kickoffs, completing 135 yards.
Follow the rest of the Falcons’ season on Facebook (SLHSFalcons), Twitter (@SLHSFalcons), and Instagram (@SLHSFalcons), or their website, athletics.slhs.com.
Shelby Jones is a freshman at Sierra Lutheran High School. Photo Credits: Top photo – Shelby Jones; Bottom three photos – Ferenz Family.