Noah Locke (23) and Tawas Area solidified their first place standing in the NEMC with their Oct. 4 victory over Ogemaw Heights.
Ogemaw's Jan Bergholz (7) battles a Tawas defender for possession at midfield during the Falcons' loss on the Braves' home field.
Brent Baker
The Braves' Scott Wesley (18) shoots, but Ogemaw's Justin Brindley (23) and Kyle Dantzer stand in the way.

TAWAS AREA - Oct. 4, 2006 - Tawas Area took advantage of a pair of first-half penalty kicks Wednesday to build a big halftime lead over Ogemaw Heights and went on to a 5-0 NEMC soccer victory over the Falcons.

Sean Freel twice scored on PK's in the first half and Scott Wesley added a goal as the Braves took a 3-0 lead.

Wayne Enzenberger and Aran Freel added goals in the second half.

"I felt we played well tonight," said Tawas coach Ken Cook. "I continue to be pleased with the progress of some of our younger players. D.J. Decker played very well tonight, and it was great to see Aran get his goal."

Ogemaw coach Jeff Young was at a loss for words after his team's flat performance.

"It just wasn't there for us," he said. "We had some individuals play well, but as a team we weren't up to the task. There's not much to say about it."

The Braves' Cody Kadrich had to leave the game with an concussion, but Cook anticipates his return.

"Cody was having one of his best games until he got hurt," Cook said. "He'll be back and I look for him to continue to be a team leader as we wrap up the remained of the season and into next year."

Alex Revord had three saves and Phil Barnes four as the Braves improved to 12-4-1 (9-0-1 NEMC). Kyle Dantzer had nine saves for the Falcons 6-10 (5-5).