For the first time in program history, the Braves turned playoff dreams into reality, delivering a come-from-somewhere statement win over the previously unbeaten Fannindel Falcons to claim the Area Championship and march confidently into next week’s showdown.
A Night to Remember
In a knockout playoff game that will live long in the memory of fans in the Stephenville region, Three Way dominated the scoreboard, defeating Fannindel 59–36 to seize their first ever Area playoff victory.
Here are some of the statistical takeaways that capture the magnitude of this moment:
- With the win, Three Way improved to an 11-1 record on the season.
- Fannindel, who entered the game undefeated, absorbed their first loss of the season at 11-1.
- The Braves’ offense lit up the night with nearly 60 points, a strong indicator of their playoff potential.
- Already this year Three Way had won eight contests by 22 points or more, showing the kind of dominance that had been building all season.
- Momentum: the Braves were riding a five-game win streak coming into this contest.
Coach Wesley Rigdon and the Braves’ senior leadership deserve major credit — they remained sharp, hungry, and composed under pressure, flipping the narrative for their program.
Key Factors in the Victory
Offense & Tempo
Three Way came out with pace. They pushed the ball downfield, converted in key moments, and didn’t allow Fannindel’s defense enough time to settle. Running backs and receivers alike made explosive plays, and the Braves quarterback managed the game with poise.
Defensive Resilience
While 36 points allowed isn’t rock-solid in a vacuum, consider the context: Fannindel came in undefeated, confident and dangerous. The Braves’ defense made crucial stops when the game hung in the balance, forcing turnovers or holding firm in red-zone situations.
Special Teams & Momentum Shifts
There were momentum-shifting plays: big returns, perhaps blocked punts or long kickoffs (full box-score not available), but the Braves pounced when the opportunities came. The crowd fed off the energy. The home field seemed to amplify everything.
Culture of Winning
This isn’t just a one-off win. The pattern of large-margin victories (eight wins by 22+ points) shows a program that’s learned how to finish, how to dominate, and now how to win on the biggest stage of the year. The playoff monkey is off their back.
What This Means for the Program
For Three Way, this win marks a turning point. Programs aspire to breakthrough moments like this — the kind that shift culture, expectation, and identity. From here on, the Braves are no longer a hopeful underdog: they are playoff-tested, battle-scarred, and hungry for more. Seniors who have grown with this team will carry this legacy, while underclassmen will join the energy. The community at large now believes.
Preview: Up Next — the Strawn Greyhounds
Next up, Three Way’s reward for the Fannindel scalp: a showdown with the Strawn Greyhounds. Strawn arrive with a formidable résumé, ranked No. 5 in the state for 6-man Division II (1A) football.
Here’s a deeper look at the opponent and how the Braves might stack up.
Strawn’s credentials:
- They hold an 11-1 record heading into the matchup.
- Their scoring output has been eye-watering all season (e.g., 78-12 over Gold-Burg).
- With a history of state-championship success in six-man football, Strawn knows how to win this kind of playoff game.
Keys for Three Way to challenge Strawn:
- Maintain the offensive tempo. Strawn will come in prepared for a slugfest. If the Braves can keep up the pace, force Strawn to play defense, it gives them a path.
- Protect the football and capitalize on mistakes. Against a high-powered offense like Strawn’s, turnovers or special-teams errors can be fatal.
- Win the trenches and assert physicality. While six-man football emphasizes space and speed, the team that sets the physical tone often gains control.
- Special teams matter. Big plays in kick/punt return, or stopping the opponent’s kicker/returner, could tilt the momentum.
- Embrace the underdog role. Three Way can walk in with confidence. They’ve just taken down an unbeaten team, they’re battle-ready, and they carry momentum.
Final Word
The Three Way Braves’ victory over Fannindel is more than just a win; it’s a statement. Now comes the real test: stepping onto the same field as a state-ranked juggernaut in the Strawn Greyhounds. If Three Way plays with the same fire, discipline, and swagger they showed Friday night, they won’t just be participants; they’ll be contenders. The next chapter will either solidify this program’s rise or represent the invaluable experience of a valiant run.
Keep your eyes on these guys, because the Braves are writing a new story for themselves.
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