Through the first five games of the season, the Connellsville football team has been able to check off a lot of boxes on their to-do list for 2023.

From an offensive that has found a nice rhythm to a defense that has shown the ability to be stout, the Falcons have improved in virtually all areas. Much of that improvement was on display last week when the Falcons traveled to Ringgold and rolled to a 47-12 victory over the host Rams. The win leveled Connellsville’s Class 4A Big Seven Conference record at 1-1 and improved the team’s overall mark to 3-2.

At the halfway point of the regular season, things are going well for the Falcons.

“Offensively, we put in a lot of work and simplified our protection schemes and the kids have put the time in to be successful,” Connellsville co-head coach Chad Lembo said. “Defensively, we have some younger guys in there and they keep working and they’re showing that improvement.”

Offensively, the Falcons have been led by a solid offensive line that has given quarterback Anthony Piasecki time to make plays in the passing game and running back Bruce Giles room to churn out the yards in the ground game. Piasecki threw for two scores and ran for another while Giles ripped off 124 yards and two rushing touchdowns in the victory over the Rams.

Defensively, Connellsville has held opponents to two scores or fewer in three of its first five games. Ethan Shultz highlighted the Connellsville defense with a pair of interceptions in the win over Ringgold.

The Connellsville special teams has also gotten in on the fun as Jayden McBride raced 82 yards for an opening kick return for a touchdown against the Rams.

“We liked a lot of things about our game,” Lembo said in regards to last week’s win. “We got up early and got a little sloppy and we addressed that, but we are a team that is learning how to win.”

The Falcons will try to make it four wins in six tries when they travel to Hampton to take on the Talbots in a non-conference game Friday at 7 p.m.

The Talbots (3-2) started the season with three straight losses, but have found their footing with back-to-back wins, including a 32-27 win over Armstrong last week.

Quarterback Porter Kelly threw for three scores and running back Brock Borgo added 140 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Talbots’ win over Armstrong.

“Hampton is a very talented team,” Lembo said. “I don’t think they really try anything fancy. They just execute very well.”

For the Falcons, execution will also be key this week, and you can bet Connellsville isn’t looking past this game considering it is a non-conference clash, and important conference games against McKeesport, Latrobe, Thomas Jefferson and Laurel Highlands are on the horizon.

“We need to learn how to win games like this,” Lembo said. “A win will help build our confidence. I’ll steal a quote from coach Jace McClean after Friday’s game. He said that we are extremely happy, but we’re not satisfied.”