Bad field conditions, cold weather and a light drizzle slowed down the 'Lopes’ offense last week against Leechburg. But that didn't matter. The defense came up with two scores on turnovers and carried Avonworth to their sixth win of the season, 21-6.

The game was the 'Lopes' first of the season on a muddy grass field, and it showed. Avonworth's offense was unable to put any points on the board until the final play from scrimmage in the first half.

Head coach Jason Kekseo said that the bad weather and "terrible field conditions" were not conducive to their fast-paced offense.

The 'Lopes' wide receivers struggled to pull in catches that otherwise would be easy grabs. Those drops added to a total of nine incompletions in the first half. Quarterback Tom Turnbull completed six passes in the first two quarters, five of which came on the only offensive scoring drive.

"Turnbull was good, but there were too many drops," Kekseo said after the game.

The teams played almost 20 minutes of scoreless football before points were put on the scoreboard on three consecutive drives. Sophomore Brian Vales intercepted a Blue Devil pass, which he returned more than 50 yards into the end zone. Kicker Houston Hunt added the point after, and the 'Lopes led 7-0.

Leechburg answered back on their next play. After starting out on their own 33, a Blue Devil running back took the ball up the middle, broke a tackle and went 67 yards into the end zone. An excessive celebration penalty against Leechburg cost them 15 yards and the long extra point was missed, putting the score at 7-6 in Avonworth's favor.

On the next drive, the 'Lopes' offense put together a 78-yard drive that ate up the clock and produced Avonworth's only offensive score. Turnbull completed five passes to three different receivers for 53 yards. The 'Lopes faced fourth down three times during the drive. The offense converted on two of the fourth downs, and the third attempt produced a touchdown.

On fourth-and-goal from the 5-yard line, with just five seconds left in the half, Vales made a great catch in the back of the end zone on a tipped ball. Hunt added the extra point and Avonworth led 14-6.

The 'Lopes' defense shut out the Blue Devils in the second half and forced two turnovers on back-to-back Leechburg drives.

Junior Ryan Schmid intercepted a Blue Devil pass and won the foot race down the sidelines for Avonworth's final score of the game. The point after was good and the 'Lopes led 21-6.

On the next drive, Leechburg faced a fourth-and-11 when Schmid came up with another interception on a fake punt attempt.

Not a single pass was thrown the rest of the game.

Jimmy Zubik finished with 91 yards on 18 carries. Zubik was kept out of the end zone for the first time this year. Eddie Kurtz led the team defensively with 10 tackles.