COUNCIL GROVE - The West Franklin Falcons opened their season on Sept. 4 against the Council Grove Braves. The whole team was ready for their first game, including head coach Chuck Lee.

   “I’m excited for the opportunity to play after 16 practices and the coaching staff is looking forward to the game tonight”, said Coach Lee.  Unfortunately,  the Falcons they fell to the Braves 45-14.

   The Falcons got the ball first and started on their own 31yard line. On their first play from scrimmage they lost three yards. When Council Grove got the ball for first time in the game they started at the West Franklin 47 yard line.

   Council Grove scored a touchdown on their opening drive with early in the first quarter and went on to score three more touchdowns in the quarter.

   In the second quarter, Council Grove turned over the ball on their own 16 yard line. After an 8-yard run by sophomore Briar Shaffer, senior quarterback Storm Mattas connected with senior receiver Cord Cunningham on an 8-yard touchdown pass.

   The Falcons were on the board with their first points of the season.

   The Braves scored again late in the half, and on the final play before halftime, Council Grove scored a field goal. The Braves led 38-7.

   For the Falcons, the second half started like the first with Council Grove scoring early. The Braves ran the kickoff back for a touchdown, and the score was 45-7.

   With less than three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Albert Anderson scored on a 5-yard run for the Falcons. A successful point-after attempt gave the Falcons 14 points.

   After the game, coach Lee said he was disappointed that the Falcons didn't play better early in the game. "We will get better for next week, and the film will help us," he added.

   The Falcons take on Chase County at home on Friday.