By JIM RUMBLE

It was suppose to be a tough match when Avonworth hosted Riverview on the Antelopes’ homecoming night last Friday.

For the third consecutive game, however, the Antelopes kept their opponent off the scoreboard as they disposed of the Raiders 35-0.

The win puts the 4-1 'Lopes in a tie with Springdale atop the Eastern Conference, with Canevin and North Catholic close behind at 3-1, with one less conference game played.

"We have a team with good, strong character," head coach Jason Kekseo said after the win last week.

Kekseo feels that his team is at about 80 percent of its potential, and can get better if they can get some of the bugs worked out.

"We believe we're the best team in the Eastern Conference and I think week to week we're going to prove that," Kekseo said.

The 'Lopes have been an opportunistic bunch, and last week was no different as they took advantage of a fumble on Riverview's game-opening possession to set up the first score.

The Antelopes began their drive from the Raiders’ 35-yard line, moving the ball with the highlight coming on a 15-yard pass from tailback Ricky Lawniczak to Joe Galante to reach the Riverview 8.

Lawniczak ran for a couple of pick-ups before quarterback Brian Vales took the ball into the end zone from two yards out. The extra point kick was blocked, giving Avonworth a 6-0 lead with 6:45 left in the opening quarter.

The 'Lopes took advantage again in the second quarter when Andrew Niklaus stopped a Raiders drive in Avonworth territory with an interception.

An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the 'Lopes on the interception forced Avonworth to start from their own 23.

The drive featured a 14-yard pass completion from Vales to Niklaus, and a run for 15 yards by Jake Szolis before Lawniczak capped the 11-play drive by taking a screen pass 24 yards for the score.

Lawniczak's second effort on the two-point conversion run allowed the 'Lopes to go up 14-0 with 4:47 left in the second quarter.

Avonworth also scored on their next possession following Riverview's third three-and-out series.

Szolis got most of the carries, moving the ball from the Antelope 41, but Avonworth also benefitted from an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Raiders that kept the drive alive.

Lawniczak's 5-yard TD run with 39 ticks left on the clock, followed by Elliot Miller's extra point kick, gave the Antelopes a 21-0 halftime lead.

Riverview's fate was sealed at the start of the third quarter when Ryan Schmid opened with a 69-yard kick return down the left sideline for a touchdown.

Miller's extra point kick put the Antelopes up 28-0.

A three-and-out series by the Raiders came next before Avonworth added their final touchdown.

The Riverview defense got a heavy dose of Szolis runs, including a 32-yard pass reception, before Lawniczak's 4-yard TD run and Miller's kick set the mercy rule into effect with Avonworth leading 35-0.

"Szolis is a tough kid - he runs hard," Kekseo said after the game.

Kekseo also noted the play of his defense, saying, "Our defense is led by Eddie Kurtz -- he directs things out there."

He then added,"Connor O'Donnell has stepped up and has been great at defensive tackle. To see the way he has made progress -- he's a nightmare of a defensive lineman."

Last Friday's game also marked the return to action of senior lineman Milton Loop, who was injured in the off-season.

Kekseo said that the team rallied behind his return.

"The team feels he is the heart and soul of this team -- he brings leadership, sportsmanship and Milton has such strong character and dedication," Kekseo said.

Vales was 10-13 passing for 148 yards, while Szolis rushed for 63 yards, followed by Lawniczak with 53 yards.