Content about JIM RUMBLE

10.09.09

The Challenge

The Citizen is taking on the challenge!

Now, in past years we have taken on any number of challenges, from Bellevue Council to the Kilbuck Police Department. This challenge, however, promises to be the most grueling to-date.

02.05.12

Lady ’Lopes lose tough one

By JIM RUMBLE

Having to play a pivotal section game on the road was tough enough for the Avonworth girls’ basketball team, but the Lady ‘Lopes also had to take on Quaker Valley Monday night without head coach Bob Schulz,who had a bout with the flu.

All seemed fine for the Lady ‘Lopes until a 16-point lead in the third quarter disintegrated on the way to a 48-45 loss to the Quakers.

We're young and we're still trying to learn how to keep our composure in tight situations," said assistant coach Leah Uhernik

01.28.12

Flames lose in final seconds

By JIM RUMBLE

A section win was within reach when the Northgate girls’ basketball team hosted South Side Beaver on Thursday, Jan. 19. But after battling back from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit, the Flames fell to defeat in the game’s final seconds 45-43.

Northgate, in search of their first section win, saw their record drop to 3-13 overall and 0-8 in section play.

The Flames scored the game's first points past the midpoint of the first quarter when Kira Neszpaul hit a jumper near the top of the circle for a 2-0 lead.

01.28.12

’Lopes win on the road

By JIM RUMBLE

In a section game at South Side Beaver Monday, the Avonworth girls’ basketball team got a huge effort from point guard Montee'a Hunter as they defeated the Rams 49-21.

"Tia played one of her best games ever," said coach Bob Schulz of Hunter, who finished with a game-high 18 points.

01.22.12

Lady ’Lopes crush Northgate

By JIM RUMBLE

Monday's rivalry game between the Avonworth and Northgate girls basketball teams was cause enough for some excitement when the two local teams got together for their first section meeting on the Flames’ home court. Any thoughts of an upset though by the Flames over the Lady ‘Lopes, however, vanished early on as Avonworth rolled past Northgate 62-13.

Avonworth coach Bob Schulz praised his team for their play, especially on the defensive end where they forced bad shots and created an abundance of turnovers.

01.14.12

Lady ’Lopes score 2 section wins

By JIM RUMBLE

It was an exceptional week of basketball for the Avonworth girls’ team, which earned two very important wins in section play.

On Thursday, Jan. 5, the Lady ‘Lopes hosted section co-leader Quaker Valley and came from behind to knock off the Quakers in a thriller, 39-38.

The 'Lopes traveled to Sto Rox on Monday, Jan. 9, and took control in the second half on their way to a 44-34 win over the Vikings.

01.08.12

Northgate girls struggle on court

By JIM RUMBLE

Since just before the holiday break, the Northgate girls’ basketball team registered two wins against three losses, but new coach Neal Martin seems encouraged by his young team's effort and hard work.

The Flames scored their second win of the season on Dec. 21, defeating Sewickley Academy 37-36.

They followed with a 63-22 loss on Dec. 27 against Ambridge, a loss against Sewickley Academy 38-26 on Dec. 28, and a section loss this past Monday at Quaker Valley, 69-25.

Northgate changed direction the following night when they defeated Brentwood at home 39-38.

01.08.12

OLSH stops Lady ’Lopes

By JIM RUMBLE

With the restart of section play since the holiday break, the Avonworth girls’ basketball team finds itself looking up at the leaders in section 6AA following a loss at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart this past Tuesday.

Having a tough time getting their offense on track, the Lady ‘Lopes fell to the Chargers 40-34 and saw their section record drop to 1-1 behind OLSH and Quaker Valley, both at 3-0.

"In the first half we didn't take very good shots and we didn't possess the ball well enough," said coach Bob Schulz.

11.18.11

Rams end another season

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.

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.

05.13.11

’Lopes tie for 2nd, head for playoffs

By JIM RUMBLE

It was a grueling week for the Avonworth softball team, but it was well worth it as the Lady ‘Lopes secured a spot for the upcoming WPIAL playoffs.

The 'Lopes started off by hosting Brentwood last Thursday. After surrendering a lead late, the girls were able to come back in the final inning to win 9-8.

"We had a couple of mental mistakes but the good thing, though, is that we were able to come back," said head coach Chris Knox.

04.22.11

Antelopes improve record with three wins

By JIM RUMBLE

It's been one heck of a week for the Avonworth baseball team, one that saw the Antelopes pick up three wins and improve their overall record to 4-2 and 4-1 in the section .

The highlight of the week came on Thursday, April 14, when senior Nick Hobbs, pitching in his first ever start, threw a no-hitter in a section game at home against Elderton while registering 10 strike-outs.

After the game, coach Phil Coffin said, "It's the first time all year and we've been working with him since he was a sophomore. He was able to come around with his curve ball."

04.22.11

Flames struggle against North Catholic team

By JIM RUMBLE

It's been a tough season for the young Northgate softball team, and the circumstances were no different when the Flames hosted North Catholic last Thurs-day.

The Flames were limited to two hits and a run as they were overpowered by the Trojans in six innings 15-1.

Northgate, whose last win came in a non-section game against Aliquippa on March 29, saw their overall record drop to 1-5 and 0-3 in section play.

Flames’ freshman pitcher Emma DiDomenico absorbed the loss, giving up seven hits, eight walks and recording two strike-outs.

04.22.11

Lady ’Lopes turn the tables on Brentwood

By JIM RUMBLE

It was an exciting week for the Avonworth softball team, as they secured two section wins to move into second place in AA Section 1 with a record of 5-1 overall and 3-0 in section play.

Without a doubt, the most exciting win came at previously unbeaten Brentwood last Friday as the 'Lopes battled back to win in extra innings 8-4.

"This was one of the best wins in our school's history," said coach Chris Knox afterwards.

04.15.11

Troubled Avonworth offense splits section contests

By JIM RUMBLE

Having a tough time reaching any consistency on offense, the Avonworth baseball team found themselves on the short end of a 9-5 loss when they hosted Vincentian in their section opener last Thursday.

The Antelopes registered five hits, which made it difficult, especially after falling behind early in the game.

Pitcher Frank Restelli held the Royals in check through the first two innings, but had some control issues in the top of the third.

Vincentian took advantage of four walks that were issued, along with two base hits, to claim an early 4-0 lead.

04.15.11

Weather breaks for Lady ’Lopes

By JIM RUMBLE

After a week of game postponements, the Avonworth softball team finally resumed play when they hosted Carlynton in their first section game on Monday, April 11.

The Lady 'Lopes seemed to be unaffected by the time off, as they defeated the Cougars in five innings 14-1.

"It's good to get your first section game in," said coach Chris Knox after the game.

03.18.11

State run ends for Lady ’Lopes

By JIM RUMBLE

The Avonworth girls’ basketball team saw their season come to an end last Friday with a 55-42 loss to Marion Center in the first round of the PIAA playoffs.

After bouncing back from a huge deficit early in the game, the girls suppressed their chances at victory with poor shooting, especially in the second half.

"We made a nice comeback after the first quarter," said coach Bob Schulz after the game.

Schulz added, "We shot the ball very poorly in the second half."

03.11.11

Lady ’Lopes fend off Panthers in PIAA game

By JIM RUMBLE

With a long lay-off before the start of the PIAA playoffs, it was hard to determine how the Avonworth girls’ basketball team would respond when the Lady ‘Lopes hosted the Northern Bedford Panthers in a preliminary round game this past Tuesday.

After a slow start, the 'Lopes secured a modest lead and then had to fend off a charging Panther team in the fourth quarter to nail down a 51-46 victory.

"It's getting tough," said coach Bob Schulz after the game.

03.04.11

Lady ’Lopes get pressed into quarterfinal loss

By JIM RUMBLE

It wasn't suppose to end like this. That's probably what a lot of people were thinking after the Avonworth girls’ basketball team's WPIAL quarterfinal game against Bishop Canevin at West Allegheny High School last Friday.

Having left their “A” game at home, the Lady ‘Lopes committed 34 turnovers and had a horrendous night shooting the ball as they were subdued by the Crusaders 53-31.

"We didn't handle their press -- we didn't get to the spots that we needed to like we had prepared," said Coach Bob Schulz after the game.

02.25.11

Avonworth girls ground Eagles

By JIM RUMBLE

Going into the first round WPIAL playoff game against Keystone Oaks this past Wednesday, Avonworth girls’ basketball head coach Bob Schulz expressed some apprehension about the team he would have to face.

"I'm quite concerned with this match-up” he said. “I think they're better than a 12 seed in the tournament."

Well all of that uneasiness must have dissipated as the game wore on, as the Lady ‘Lopes, seeded #5, dominated in their win against the Golden Eagles, 56-31.