By JIM RUMBLE

In their opening game of the 2010 football season last Friday, the Avonworth Antelopes appeared to be in control early, but could not overcome five turnovers as they were defeated by Bishop Canevin at Dormont Stadium, 21-14.

"We handed the game to them." said head coach Jason Kekseo. "Not only did we hand it to them, I think we gift wrapped it too."

The Crusaders also managed to take advantage of two big plays offensively to get back into the game before scoring the go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

"Any time you fumble or turn the ball over you keep your offense from progressing and taking time off the clock -- it just became a mess," Kekseo said.

He added, "Two big plays, that's all they had. Other than that I think we maintained control of the game."

Avonworth's first turnover came on the game's first play as the kick off was mishandled deep in Antelope territory and Canevin took over on offense at the 18-yard line.

The Antelope defense was able to come to the rescue, their swarming style of play yielded no yards while the Crusaders were penalized for delay of game. That allowed the Antelopes to start from their own 23-yard line on a drive that would produce the game's first score.

The possession started with a 41-yard pass completion from quarterback Brian Vales to wideout Ryan Schmid, putting the ball at the Canevin 36. Andrew Niklaus followed with a run of 9 yards. The 'Lopes continued with success through the air as Vales connected with a 12-yard pass to Jake Szolis and 3-yards to Ricky Lawniczak, moving the ball to the Canevin 9. A run by Szolis picked up a yard before Vales threw an 8-yard TD pass to Schmid in the right side of the end zone.

Elliot Miller converted on the extra point try, giving Avonworth a 7-0 lead with 7:01 left in the opening quarter.

The 'Lopes wouldn't be as fortunate following their next possession, which ended with a fumbe that gave the Crusaders the ball at the Avonworth 49.

On first down, Canevin threw deep, getting the ball behind the Antelope secondary for a 49-yard scoring strike to tie the game at 7-7 with 2:16 left in the first quarter. Avonworth returned the favor, forcing the Crusaders to fumble on their next possession and giving the 'Lopes the ball on their own 27.

The Antelopes continued to make plays through the air, with catches of 29-yards by Evan Krahe, 21-yards by Schmid and 15-yards by Szolis highlighting the drive that ended with a 1-yard TD run by Niklaus and Miller's extra point kick, putting Avonworth back in front 14-7 with 9:22 left in the second quarter.

The Crusaders were not able to capitalize on Avonworth's next possession that ended with a fumble, however they did take advantage of a huge play to tie the game late in the period.

Following A.J. Mang's second sack of the game that had Canevin facing a third-and-nine from their own 16, the Crusaders again got behind the Antelope secondary for an 84-yard TD pass that had the teams tied at 14 apiece with 1:14 left in the quarter.

Avonworth's next drive featured a 43-yard completion from Vales to Niklaus, but the possession ended at the Canevin 28.

The Crusaders took a knee to end the half with the score still tied at 14-14.

The teams traded possessions twice in the third quarter before Canevin capitalized on an Avonworth possession that ended on the 'Lopes’ 39.

The Crusaders moved in eight plays, completing the drive with a slant in pattern from the right side that resulted in a 12-yard TD pass to go ahead 21-14 with 10:59 to play in the fourth quarter.

Avonworth fumbled again on their next possession, but Canevin's possession ended with an interception by Vales.

Vales unfortunately found himself on the other side of the play late in the fourth quarter. After completing a 17-yard pass to Mike Giampole, Avonworth's fifth turnover came on an interception to end Avonworth's final drive.

"I think they're all correctable mistakes. We can hold on to the ball better," Kekseo said afterwards about the fumbles.

Commenting on the big plays given up defensively Kekseo said, "We have All Conference defensive backs making these mistakes. We just need to correct them."

Vales, who was 9-13 passing for 176 yards in the first half, finished 12-20 for 215 yards.