Content about Duke Johncour

11.18.11

By JIM RUMBLE

In a quarterfinal game that went down to the wire, the Avonworth football team saw their season come to a close as they were defeated by the Rochester Rams last Friday, 26-22.

"We gave it a good run," said coach Duke Johncour after the game."We came out of the chute slow with a fumble and giving up a couple of big third down conversions, but they made some great plays when they had to and that was the end result." .

11.11.11

‘Lopes conquer California

By JIM RUMBLE

For the fourth consecutive year, the Avonworth Antelopes football team is headed to the WPIAL quarterfinals. The ‘Lopes defeated California at home last Friday, 28-16.

Led by Ricky Lawniczak's three rushing touchdowns, the Antelopes broke open a close game in the second half and took advantage of a couple of Trojan turnovers that were converted for scores. They will now meet Rochester at Ambridge High School tonight at 7:30 p.m.

"I'm happy we're moving on," said head coach Duke Johncour after the game.

10.28.11

Antelopes take out OLSH

By JIM RUMBLE

It was just another day at the office for the Avonworth Antelopes when they hosted Our Lady Of Sacred Heart on senior recognition night last Friday.

The Antelopes (7-1), led by Ricky Lawniczak's 166 yards rushing, earned a WPIAL playoff spot by defeating the Chargers 35-10.

Give a lot of credit to the offensive line, which totally dominated the line of scrimmage.

"They blocked well. “We hit the holes hard and we ran very well," said head coach Duke Johncour after the game.

10.22.11

Avonworth hands first loss to Beth-Center

By JIM RUMBLE

In a non-conference game that seemed destined for the loss column last Friday, the Avonworth Antelopes got their act together in the nick of time and pulled out an exciting win in overtime.

Facing the Beth Center Bulldogs, who were coming into the game at 6-0 and ranked No. 4 in Class A, the Antelopes overcame four turnovers, along with nine penalties to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter that tied the game before pulling out a 20-19 win in overtime.

10.07.11

’Lopes score 2nd shut-out

Playing through a steady rain on a field that was reduced to a mud pit, the Avonworth Antelopes recorded their second consecutive shut-out when they traveled to Riverview last Saturday.

What was really remarkable was that the Antelopes were able to hang on to the ball under the circumstances while forcing five turnovers by the Raiders on their way to a 26-0 victory.

"We weren't able to throw the ball as much as we would have liked to, but you have to roll with the punches," said head coach Duke Johncour after the game. He added, "Ricky [Lawniczak] ran the ball well."

09.23.11

Antelopes find their stride against Tigers

It was just a matter of time until the Avonworth football team put it all together, and that time arrived last Friday when the Antelopes hosted the Wilkins-burg Tigers.

With an offense that was led by Ricky Lawniczak, who rushed for 101 yards and 3 TDs in the first half, and a defense that constantly harassed the Tigers while recording six sacks, the Antelopes rolled to a 38-14 victory.

"We set the tone early and made the plays that we needed to make," said head coach Duke Johncour. "We put some pressure on them, and it worked out well for us."

09.16.11

Kick gives Avonworth a win

By JIM RUMBLE

With a little help from their opponent, the Avonworth football team picked up a hard fought victory in Springdale last Friday.

Scoring on their first possession and maintaining a 7-0 lead into the fourth quarter, the Antelopes surrendered a touchdown late but earned their first win of the season when the Dynamos missed on the extra point try for a 7-6 victory.

"It was a physical game," said head coach Duke Johncour.

"Our hats off to Springdale, they played hard and they're physical, but we did what we had to do to win the football game."

09.09.11

Antelopes lose opener to powerhouse Canevin

By JIM RUMBLE

Just like last year, the Avonworth football team opened the season against Bishop Canevin, and the results were no different as the Antelopes fell to the Crusaders at home 33-6.

Untimely turnovers again proved to be the ‘Lopes downfall as new head coach Duke Johncour will have to wait another week for a chance to secure his first win.

"We moved the ball up and down the field, but the turnovers kill you," said Johncour.

The Antelope offense was led by tailback Ricky Lawniczak, who rushed for 154 yards on 17 carries.

08.26.11

Antelopes: Don’t change what works

By JIM RUMBLE

With the 2011 football season about to get underway, new Avonworth head coach Duke Johncour seems optimistic about taking over a program that has done a complete turnaround over the last several years.

Gone is former head coach Jason Kekseo, who compiled a 31-6 record over the last three seasons that included two conference titles and two appearances in the WPIAL semis.

"The program was established and that's a good thing," said Johncour.

"I'm coming into a very good situation. The kids are working hard, but we have a lot of holes to fill," he added.

05.15.09

Avonworth coaches hired

Coaches for Avonworth's fall sports were hired at the school board’s regular meeting on May 11.

Jason Kekseo will return as varsity head football coach. Justin Grady, Duke Johncour, Ed Malsch, Mark Knochel and Joe Zeglowitsch were approved as varsity assistant football coaches. John Aguiar will be the seventh/eighth grade head football coach and Phil Coffin the seventh/eighth grade assistant football coach.