FALCONS SOAR PAST RAMBLERS WITH SMOTHERING DEFENSE AND BALL- CONTROL OFFENSE McBain, MI – Thursday, October 22, 2026 The Freeland Freshman Football team saved one of its most complete performances for the final game of the season, traveling to McBain High School on Thursday night and shutting out the Ramblers 28-0. The Falcons controlled the game from start to finish, using a relentless defense, a powerful rushing attack, and outstanding special teams play to close out their season on a high note. The name of the game was KEEP AWAY! Freeland dominated time of possession, controlling the football for an incredible 27 minutes and 30 seconds of the 40-minute contest. The Falcons' offense piled up 321 total yards while the defense completely shut down the Ramblers, allowing just 55 yards of total offense. Freeland wasted no time setting the tone. After receiving the opening kickoff, the Falcons put together a methodical drive that chewed up nearly six minutes of the first quarter. Quarterback Matteo Aimar capped off the drive by connecting with Riley Blohm on a 15-yard catch and run for the game's first touchdown. Colton Lubaczewski powered his way in for the two-point conversion, giving Freeland an early 8-0 advantage. The Falcon defense immediately went to work, forcing a quick three-and-out and putting the ball right back into the hands of the offense. Freeland picked up exactly where it left off, marching an impressive 91 yards down the field. Brandon Stamann finished the drive with a 24-yard touchdown run, and Aimar connected with Sam Pionk for the two-point conversion to extend the Falcons' lead to 16-0. The Falcons continued to control the tempo, keeping McBain's offense on the sidelines and taking a commanding 16-0 lead into halftime. In the third quarter, Freeland's special teams joined the scoring party. At the 7:18 mark, Riley Blohm electrified the Falcons' sideline with a spectacular 59-yard punt return for a touchdown! The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, but Freeland had extended its lead to 22-0. The Falcons put the finishing touches on their season at the 2:11 mark of the fourth quarter when Blohm found the end zone again, this time on a 10-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt was no good, bringing the final score to Freeland 28, McBain 0. Blohm Shines in All Three Phases Riley Blohm earned Offensive MVP honors with an outstanding all-around performance, finding the end zone three different ways: rushing, receiving, and on a punt return. Blohm finished the night with 94 rushing yards on 11 carries, caught three passes for 67 yards, and even showed off his arm by completing a 25-yard pass to Connor Wismer. His 186 combined rushing, receiving, and passing yards accounted for a major portion of Freeland's 321 yards of total offense. Brandon Stamann provided the thunder in the Falcons' ground attack, leading the team with 110 rushing yards on 17 carries, including his 24-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Matteo Aimar efficiently directed the offense, completing 3 of 5 passes for 67 yards, a touchdown, and a successful two-point conversion pass. Falcon Defense Delivers a Shutout While the offense controlled the clock, the Freeland defense was absolutely smothering! The Falcons limited McBain to just 55 total yards of offense in 40 minutes of football, never allowing the Ramblers to establish any rhythm. Matteo Aimar and Cedar Shaw each came away with interceptions, ending McBain possessions and giving the football back to the Falcons' offense. Kaden Koepf led the defensive charge with four tackles, while Connor Wismer, Nate Emmons, and Brandon Stamann combined for a quarterback sack. It was a complete team defensive effort, with all 11 Falcons working together to shut down the Ramblers and preserve the season-ending shutout. More than Just a Record The Falcons finish their season with a 2-7 record, but that record doesn't tell the whole story. Freeland faced an extremely challenging schedule throughout the fall, battling tough competition week after week. Through the ups and downs, this group continued to work, improve, and compete. Their determination and willingness to keep learning were on full display in their final game. The 28-0 victory was a fitting reward for a team that never stopped battling and showed just how much progress it had made throughout the season. A Special Thank You from Coach Wheeler Coach Wheeler would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the parents and families for their tremendous support throughout the season. From traveling to games to cheering from the stands and supporting the players through every challenge, your dedication to these young men and the Freeland Football program is truly appreciated. Coach Wheeler would also like to recognize and thank assistant coaches Joey Melzo, Nate Helmreich, and Zach DeLeeuw for their countless hours, hard work, dedication, and commitment to developing these young athletes. Their contributions throughout the season have been invaluable. Although the season has come to an end, the journey for these young Falcons is just beginning. As they continue to grow, get stronger, develop their skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the game, there is plenty to be excited about. The future of Freeland Football is BRIGHT with this group of young men! Final Score: Freeland Falcons 28 – McBain Ramblers 0 GO FALCONS!