CHEBOYGAN - Oct. 19, 2007 - A night where nothing went right for Ogemaw Heights means the Falcons will have to hit the road to begin this week's MHSAA playoffs.

"We need to rebound," said Ogemaw coach Andrew Pratley. "A new season is upon us and everyone is 0-0. The kids are excited for the new season and anxious to put (Cheboygan) behind us."

Cheboygan handed the Falcons their most lopsided loss in three seasons on a windswept, rain-drenched night on which the Chiefs were determined to exorcise their two heartbreaking losses to the Falcons last season.

The Falcons trailed 14-0 early, but got back in the game with a 29-yard touchdown run from Trevor Zettel.

But rather than give the defense a chance to set up another score, the Falcons allowed Cheboygan's Trey Crongeyer to return the ensuing kickoff 87 yards to open the lead up to 22-6. The Falcons answered with a drive late in the first half but fumbled on 1st-and-goal from the eight-yard line.

Mike Gahn's 82-yard run on the first play of the third quarter put the game out of reach, especially as the Falcons turned the ball over three more times in the second half.

Cheboygan churned out 308 yards to the Falcons' 216. Zettel led the Falcons with 70 yards rushing on nine carries, while Michael Noffsinger, the focus of Cheboygan's defense, managed 33 on 11 carries and caught two passes for 21 yards. Kevin O'Neil was 6-of-11 passing for 80 yards, while Carl Worthy was in on 14 tackles, Zettel added nine and Andrew Funsch had eight.

The Falcons finished the regular season at 7-2 and now will have to travel to Midland to face Bullock Creek in their playoff opener on Friday. If they win, the Falcons face a potential rematch with the Chiefs.