Five years. Forty-four games. That’s how long it’s been since Albany High’s varsity football team picked up a win.  But that’s all in the past now.

On Saturday, October 20^th, the Falcons defeated South Glens Falls at Schenectady High School, 24-0.  It’s safe to say that school spirit helped the Falcons to the victory. With Spirit Week, the return of pep rallies, and Homecoming having been the week before, the football team certainly had the entire school behind it.

Other factors may have also played a role. The game was supposed to have been played on Friday but was pushed back a day due to poor weather conditions. For the same reason, the game started over an hour behind schedule on Saturday. It seems, however, that the wait paid dividends for the Falcons.

Extenuating circumstances aside, perhaps it was nothing more than the Falcons’ undying resolve that finally led them to victory. Never once during the course of five years did the team call it quits. In spite of whatever jeers may have been tossed their way, the Falcons went out and did what they do best. And at long last, the hard work and perseverance have paid off.

So what’s next for the football team? One game against an as-of-yet undetermined opponent remains to be played on Friday, October 26th. After that, there will be nothing left but to begin preparing for next season. With this all too significant victory under their belt, perhaps the Falcons have all the momentum they need to make a real name for themselves in the realm of high school football.

The Nest extends our congratulations to Coach Jon McClement as well as every member of the 2012 football team.  Go Falcons!