By JIM RUMBLE

It wasn't pretty, nonetheless the Avonworth Antelopes did what they need to do in their quarterfinal match-up against North Catholic last Friday.

The 'Lopes for the most part had trouble finding their rythym on offense, but took advantage of several turnovers by the Trojans on their way to a 17-3 win.

North Catholic came into this match-up without starting quarterback Martin Long, who had been sidelined with a broken fibula and has missed the playoffs.

Avonworth was hampered by penalties, as they were assessed nine for 105 yards.

"We made too many mental mistakes," said head coach Jason Kekseo after the game.

"Penalties are not Avonworth football. You have to be able to take advantage of every play," he said.

Avonworth was able to take advantage early when a North Catholic fumble on the game's opening possession was recovered by Mike Giampole at the Trojans 3-yard line.

An offsides call against North Catholic moved the ball in closer, but Avonworth went backwards when quarterback Brian Vales was sacked on third down back to the 10-yard line.

Elliot Miller came through with a 28-yard field goal to put the Antelopes ahead 3-0 with 8:23 left in the first quarter.

North Catholic’s next drive started at their own 32 but failed to unfold, with a bad snap in the shotgun formation losing yards before Eddie Kurtz's sack forced a punt on fourth down.

Avonworth was not able to capitalize when their ensuing possession started at the Trojan 36 and ended at the 22 yard line with an incomplete pass on fourth down.

The Antelopes had another possession late in the quarter that was impeded by penalties before they finally got some traction on the first drive of the second quarter. That drive came as a result of an interception by Ryan Schmid that was returned 30 yards to the Trojans’ 30, however a personal foul penalty against the 'Lopes on the play nullified the return, giving Avonworth possession at their own 20 yard line.

The 'Lopes moved the ball on the ground with runs by Jake Szolis, Kurtz and Andrew Broaddus to reach the Trojan 38. A second down run by Broaddus picked up 33 yards, but a holding call brought the ball back to the North Catholic 40.

Zack Wasko caught a screen pass for 32 yards, followed by a run of 5 yards, before Szolis finished the drive with a 3-yard TD run. Miller's kick was good ,putting the Antelopes in front 10-0 with 4:50 left until halftime.

Avonworth was able to capitalize on a Trojan turnover when Andrew Niklaus came up with an interception early in the third quarter that put the 'Lopes on offense at their own 43-yard line. In the drive, Vales threw for 28 yards to Niklaus, and Wasko made a couple of key runs that helped the Antelopes reach the North Catholic 7-yard line. Vales then completed a pass to Szolis but the ball was stripped lose in the end zone. Fortunately for Avonworth, the ball was recovered by Schmid for the touchdown, and with Miller's kick that followed the 'Lopes extended their lead to 17-0 with 5:08 left in the third quarter.

North Catholic was able to move the ball on the ensuing drive with a pass completion and roughing the passer penalty netting 43 yards. The Trojans reached the Antelope 6-yard line, but a sack by A.J. Mang moved the ball back to the Avonworth 16-yard line. North Catholic settled for a 33-yard field goal that would be the final points in Avonworth's 17-3 victory.

Connor O'Donnell had a sack in the second quarter, and Dan Coulter recorded an interception in the fourth quarter. Kurtz led the team with nine tackles .

The 'Lopes move on to the semifinals to play Rochester at Ambridge high school today at 7:30 p.m.