Post season at O’Neal

FALCONS HAVE A FALL SEASON OF GROWTH & GRIT 

Varsity Boys Soccer:  

O’Neal vs. Hickory Christian Academy Final Score 0-3, Loss 
The O’Neal Falcons Boys Varsity Soccer team’s state playoff journey came to an end in a frustrating 3-0 loss to the Hickory Christian Knights in the first round. With home-field advantage and a strong start, the Falcons were hopeful, but a controversial penalty decision changed the course of the match. 

The game began with the Falcons in control, moving the ball well and engaging in a back-and-forth battle with the Knights. However, the turning point came midway through the first half when the Knights were awarded a penalty for a handball that appeared to occur outside the box. Despite the protests from the Falcons, the decision stood, and the Knights converted the penalty to take a 1-0 lead. The sudden shift in momentum rattled the Falcons, and they struggled to regain their composure for the remainder of the half. 

At halftime, the Falcons regrouped and emerged with renewed energy, determined to fight back. However, some of that energy translated into reckless play as they pressed aggressively for an equalizer. Their enthusiasm led to a free kick just outside the box, and the Knights made the Falcons pay. A curling ball from the set piece found its way untouched into the side netting, extending the Knights’ lead to 2-0. 

As the Falcons began to find their rhythm and push for a goal, a costly turnover in their own half gave the Knights another opportunity, which they clinically finished to make it 3-0. Despite the daunting deficit, the Falcons refused to give up. They laid siege to the Knights’ goal, creating several chances, but the Knights’ goalkeeper was in top form, denying every attempt. 

In the end, the Falcons’ late surge wasn’t enough, and the match ended 3-0 in favor of the Knights, bringing O’Neal’s season to a close. 

It was an up-and-down season for the Falcons, but they finished with a strong 8-6 record and were SAC conference regular season runners-up. The five seniors—Gavin Natt, Max Pashley, Andrew Pavlovich, Travis Doody, and Gavin Rabon—ended their high school soccer careers with an impressive 43-22-2 record. Their leadership and dedication have left a lasting legacy in the Falcons Soccer Program, and they will be greatly missed. 

 
While the season didn’t end as they had hoped, the Falcons can hold their heads high, knowing they gave everything they had on the field.  

Girls Tennis: 
After a long journey to Rocky Mount, the Lady Falcons tennis team concluded their season with a 5-0 loss to Faith Christian in the first round of the NCISAA State Tournament. Senior co-captains, AT Davis and Charlie Blunder, played their final high school matches, leaving behind a legacy of strong leadership and dedication. Their presence will be greatly missed, both on the court and within the school community. 

The remaining team is young but full of potential. If they continue to refine their skills during the off-season, they are poised to carry on the Falcons’ winning tradition.  

Varsity Cross Country:  
Clearing the Conference Hurdles: At the Sandhills Athletic Conference Championship on October 15th, The O’Neal School Cross Country team delivered another strong performance on the familiar Golf View Golf Course they ran on the previous meet. Leading the boys’ team, Sam Schmitz placed 3rd individually with an impressive time of 17:43, followed by Chris O’Melia securing 5th place in 18:16. On the girls’ side, Malia achieved a 6th place finish in 23:24, while Haddie Habets crossed the line in 7th place in 23:55. All four athletes earned All-Conference honors for their top-10 finishes, underscoring their remarkable efforts in the competitive race.  

In the team standings, the boys finished 4th overall, with their team still setting all-time personal records. While the girls’ team took 3rd place. The girls’ team stepped up majorly in the absence of their lead runner Ava Taylor Walker, who was competing in Tennis Conference play. With multiple All-Conference athletes and the momentum from these performances, The O’Neal School is poised for a strong showing as they gear up for the state championship on October 26th, in Raleigh, NC. 

Varsity Volleyball:  
O’Neal vs Trinity Christian: Scores – 14-25, 10-25, 9-25 Loss  
The O’Neal volleyball team entered the first round of the State Tournament on Tuesday, traveling to face the #7 ranked Caldwell Academy Eagles. With key players sidelined due to injuries, the Falcons had to adjust their game plan and shuffle the lineup. Despite the challenges, the team took the court with positive energy and strong communication. The first set proved challenging as the players had to adapt to the low beams in the gym, forcing them to stay focused and react quickly to potential deflections. By the second and third sets, they had adjusted to their surroundings, but Caldwell’s power proved too much in the end. The Falcons put up a strong fight, never giving up and always coming together as a team. 

While it’s not the way they wanted the season to end, especially with players unable to finish due to injuries, the Falcons can hold their heads high. A special recognition goes out to the three seniors and captains who have been the heart of this team, demonstrating leadership, resilience, and passion throughout the season. They leave the program with a 36-25 overall record, and their impact on the program will be felt for years to come. We can’t thank them enough for the example they’ve set and how they’ve shaped the future of O’Neal volleyball! 

 Contributed.

Photos by Wendy Hodges

This article is sponsored by Moore County News.