In his Elverado-Trico coaching debut,  Jim Hammers led the Falcons to their first win in over three years Friday night.
Elverado-Trico returned two second half interceptions for touchdowns to defeat Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton 28-13 in Elkville.
“The win was just unbelievable,” said Hammers. “For this team to improve this much over the summer is incredible. “This win can be a spring board for us for the entire season.”
The Falcons scored first as quarterback Alex McGill was able to find the end zone from one yard out. The two-point conversion failed, and with 7:53 to play in the first quarter, the Falcons led 6-0.
CZR answered back with a long punishing drive that was capped off by a three-yard touchdown run. The Bearcats added the extra point kick and led 7-6 with just over a minute remaining in the first quarter.
Bryce Mathis finished the first half scoring with a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Dalton Porter ran in the two-point conversion, as Elverado-Trico led 14-7 at the break.
With just over five minutes left in the game, Porter gave his team some breathing room by picking off a pass and returning it 51 yards for the touchdown. McGill ran in the two-point conversion to give his team a 22-7 advantage.
With under a minute to play, Jacob Jeschke intercepted a pass and returned it 83 yards for the touchdown to put the final nail in the coffin for CZR.
CZR responded with an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown but the deficit was too large to overcome.
“The two interception returns were a big factor but our defense was consistent all game long,” said Hammers. “Alex McGill and Dalton Porter really played well on both sides of the ball. They are the two leaders of their respective schools and they were just outstanding.”
CZR gave the ball away six times, while Elverado-Trico had just one turnover.
The Falcons travel to take on the Fairfield Mules (1-0) Friday night.