The Avonworth Antelope offense was firing on all cylinders with big plays last Friday, ensuring the playoff-loss to Monaca suffered by the 'Lopes last season was not repeated.

"We lived up to Avonworth football expectations tonight," head coach Jason Kekseo said after the game.

Last season, Avonworth's hopes of playing at Heinz Field ended with a loss to the Indians in the final seconds of the semi-final game. This year, the 'Lopes shut out Monaca 27-0. The win advances Avonworth (8-2) to the WPIAL quarterfinals, where they will play Clairton tonight at Chartiers-Houston.

"To be the best, you have to play the best," Kekseo said, noting the skill of the Clairton Bears, who are now 9-1.

The Antelopes certainly were "the best" last Friday night, thrilling the home crowd with long runs, interceptions and a solid passing game.

Running back Jimmy Zubik accounted for 225 total yards on the night. He picked up 121 on the ground in 19 carries and two rushing touchdowns. He added another 104 yards and a touchdown on two receptions.

The 'Lopes faced a fourth-and-2 in the first quarter when Zubik weaved in and out of the Indian defense, going 50 yards for the touchdown. He capped off an 80-yard, seven-play drive in the second with a 26-yard run for the touchdown that put Avonworth ahead 14-0 with Houston Hunt's point-after score.

To start the fourth quarter, the 'Lopes took over on their own 4-yard line, capping off the drive with an 87-yard touchdown pass on a screen to Zubik. Hunt added the extra point and the 'Lopes' lead was up to 21-0.

Quarterback Tom Turnbull completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Schmid for Avonworth's final score of the night. The point after was blocked .

Turnbull completed 11 passes on 22 attempts for 222 yards and two touchdowns.

"We threw the ball best tonight," Kekseo said after the game. He noted the offensive line gave Turnbull solid protection throughout the night.

Two of those throws, however, resulted in interceptions, but when it came to turnovers, the 'Lopes got as good as they gave.

Brian Vales intercepted a pass to give the ball back to the offense near mid-field. The 'Lopes were threatening to score at the Indian 11-yard line with just five seconds to go in the half, but Turnbull threw an interception to end the drive.

Jeff Wehner intercepted a bobbled pass on Monaca's first offensive drive of the second half, but another interception thrown by Turnbull gave possession back to the Indians.

A personal foul penalty against Avonworth gave Monaca a first-and-goal from the 'Lopes' six-yard line. Two plays later, the drive ended when Avonworth's Milton Loop recovered a fumble on a run up the middle to give Avonworth possession with 1:17 left in the third quarter.

On the ensuing kick-off, a Monaca player bobbled the bouncing kick, which the 'Lopes' special team recovered.