The Riverview Raiders’ hopes for a win last week were put to sleep early by a heavy dose of Avonworth's running game, and the defense held a shut-out until the fourth quarter to give Avonworth the win, 41-8, on senior night.

And just because it was senior night didn't mean only the upperclassmen played. Head coach Jason Kekseo said that every member of the team that was dressed to play saw game time.

The win improves the 'Lopes record to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in section play. In addition, it gives Avonworth a shot at the Class A Eastern Conference title when they play undefeated North Catholic tonight at J.C. Stone Field.

The Raiders could not come up with an answer for the 'Lopes' offensive line, consisting of Scott Barlek, Brian Bartram, Jeff Wehner, Matt Mamich and Milton Loop, which seemed to make every hole big enough to drive a truck through.

"We established an inside running game with the ferocity of our line," Kekseo said after the game.

The offensive line enabled Jimmy Zubik to pick up 159 yards on 16 carries, and three touchdowns.

Sophomore Ricky Lawniczak added another 68 yards on nine carries.

Avonworth's offense was able to put points on the scoreboard on their first four possessions of the game.

The 'Lopes struck quickly on their opening drive, marching 55 yards in six plays. On second-and-13, Zubik took a toss to the right side, made a number of defenders miss, and scampered 39 yards into the end zone for his first touchdown of the night. The extra point was blocked and Avonworth led 6-0 with 9:58 left in the first.

Avonworth scored on their next offensive drive, again on the wheels of Zubik. The offense drove the ball 61 yards on 11 plays. The 'Lopes faced a second-and-goal from the Riverview 16-yard line after quarterback Tom Turnbull was sacked for a loss of 10 yards. Zubik got the call and took the ball up the middle through a huge hole and into the end zone. Houston Hunt added the point after and Avonworth was up 13-0.

Riverview's next possession ended quickly with an interception. On their second play of the drive, Mamich pressured the Raider quarterback and forced a bad throw that ended up in the hands of Mike Simmons.

Avonworth took possession with good field position, starting out at the Riverview 21-yard line. After driving down to the 2-yard line in three plays, Simmons took a hand-off up the middle and in for the score. The extra point was good and the 'Lopes led 20-0 with 11:06 left in the second quarter.

The 'Lopes’ defense forced Riverview into a three-and-out, and after a bad punt, the offense took over in Raider territory.

On the second play of the drive, Zubik seemed to have his third touchdown of the day, but an illegal shift penalty cost the 'Lopes the score and five yards. That didn't keep Zubik out of the end zone, though. Four plays later, on a fourth-and-3, he took a hand-off over the right side, cut back left and sprinted 30 yards into the end zone. After Hunt added the point after, the score stood 27-0 with 7:31 left in the half.

The second half did not have anything better in store for Riverview, as a Raider turnover increased the 'Lopes' lead. Just 30 seconds into the second half, Ben Kramer deflected and intercepted a pass and rushed in for the score from 5 yards out. The point after was good and Avonworth led 34-0.

Houston Hunt missed a 30-yard field goal just before the end of the third quarter that would have put the mercy rule into effect.

Riverview's ensuing possession produced their only score of the game. The Raiders capped off an 80-yard drive with a 21-yard touchdown pass. Riverview went for two and got it, and Avonworth's lead was cut to 34-8.

Avonworth answered with an 80-yard touchdown drive of their own. Freshman quarterback Dan Coulter came into play and scored his first touchdown of the year. On a fourth-and-1, Coulter kept the ball himself, and nobody was catching him as he took the ball 45 yards into the end zone. Hunt split the uprights on the extra point to put the final score at 41-8.

Kekseo said he was pleased with the level of senior leadership throughout the game.

"They really stepped it up on senior night," he said.