Eagles win Central Sierra 8-Man Valley championship

The Eagles football team began their practices in May, practicing three times a week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday over the summer. The team trained relentlessly with hopes of a better championship result.

Last year, the Eagles lost a devastating 57-56 game for the Central Sierra (8-Man) Valley championship to Kings Christian.

However, rather than defeat them, this loss fueled the Eagles to work even harder anticipating the new season. The FC Eagles pushed their way through their schedule to make it back to the 8-Man Valley Championship against Riverdale Christian Academy, who they beat, 63-6, Nov. 13.

Head coach Mick Fuller was happy with the domination the Eagles showed in the game. He was appreciative of the preparation the team put in leading to this.

“It was exciting to see the boys play well and finish the season by achieving our goal of a league and section championship,” Fuller said. “We have been working toward this for the last 3 years. Last season, when we fell just a point short, we determined to work harder and prepare better so the outcome would be different this year. As a team we are faster, more athletic and more experienced this season. Those characteristics were the main contributing factors to the victory.”

Senior team captain Tyler Breedlove was pleased with the results of the game. After remembering last years game, he was thankful for the win this year.

“I think the game went really well,” Breedlove said. “I think we did what we planned to do. The defense went out there and did their thing and offensively I’m really proud of how we played. All the players got to get in, along with the younger freshmen and sophomores that got to play, and I think they did really well. It feels great winning a championship, especially the way we lost last year. That was devastating.”

There are good plays when everything works and plays when something goes wrong and needs to be fixed. In general though, I enjoy the process and watching the boys play well, execute their assignments and improvise when unexpected things happen. I always look forward to the next year as soon as the last game is over. It is like climbing an endless staircase. Each season is a step forward and up. — Mick Fuller, Head Coach

Breedlove had high expectations for the season that were partially fulfilled. He caught three catches for 87 yards and touchdown in the championship game.

“I think I played alright,” Breedlove said. “I went out there and tried to hit people and block for everyone else. I also scored a touchdown, which was pretty cool. My expectations were going undefeated, but that didn’t happen and that was a big goal of mine.”

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Head coach Mick Fuller enjoyed watching his team play in the final game. However, he is looking ahead to the future.

“There are good plays when everything works and plays when something goes wrong and needs to be fixed,” Fuller said. “In general though, I enjoy the process and watching the boys play well, execute their assignments and improvise when unexpected things happen. I always look forward to the next year as soon as the last game is over. It is like climbing an endless staircase. Each season is a step forward and up.”

Sophomore Tyler Villines thought the game went well as the team did their jobs. Villines threw for 173 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 45 yards and two touchdowns.

“I feel like the championship went as well as it could have gone,” Villines said. “The whole team did their assignments and played their hearts out and that is why we got the win. I feel like we played to the best of my ability and it paid off. My favorite moment of the game was the last few moments when we realized we were the champions!”

The Eagles finished the game with 473 all purpose yards, and 423 total yards. Tyler Breedlove was named the overall player of the game while Chris Kollenkark was named the offensive player of the game. He ran for 62 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. Roman Endicott was named defensive player of the game. He totaled four tackles and a sack. He also ran the ball once for 10 yards. Daniel Ayers achieved the title of special teams player of the game.

This writer can be reached via twitter @alexrurik23 and via email: Alexander Rurik.