By JIM RUMBLE

It wasn't pretty, nonetheless the Avonworth Antelopes did what they need to do in their quarterfinal match-up against North Catholic last Friday.

The 'Lopes for the most part had trouble finding their rythym on offense, but took advantage of several turnovers by the Trojans on their way to a 17-3 win.

North Catholic came into this match-up without starting quarterback Martin Long, who had been sidelined with a broken fibula and has missed the playoffs.

Avonworth was hampered by penalties, as they were assessed nine for 105 yards.

By JIM RUMBLE

The Avonworth Antelopes football team renewed their rivalry with the Northgate Flames Friday night, and boy have things changed. The 'Lopes were defeated 32-7 in 2002 and 27-6 the last time the two teams got together in 2003. Last Friday, the Antelopes were in total command as they disposed of the Flames 35-0.

"We knew we would take care of them," said coach Jason Kekseo after the game. "You have a rivalry game like this -- it's usually the tougher team that wins. Tonight I think you see how far Avonworth's program has come."

It was a good night for both local football teams, as they celebrated their homecomings with big, big wins.

The evening's wins began at Lenzner Stadium, where Liz Grambo was named Avonworth's homecoming queen. The Antelopes honored her crowning with a 35-0 win over Riverview. Quarterback Brian Vales and running backs Ryan Schmid and Ricky Lawniczak gave the crowd something to cheer about in impressive performances. Schmid returning the opening kick-off of the second half a long 70 yards for a touchdown. Vales ran in for one score, and threw a 24-yard pass to Lawniczak for another.

BY JIM RUMBLE

It was a game the players eagerly awaited when Avonworth hosted #3 ranked Springdale last Friday. Having a sense that this was a “must-win” only two games into the season, the Antelopes delivered with an exciting 26-10 win over the Dynamos.

The 'Lopes were led by quarterback Brian Vales, who threw two TD passes and ran for one. They also got a huge performance from running back Ricky Lawniczak, who scored a touchdown while rushing for 187 yards.

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.

By JIMMY SILAY

Another week has gone by in which the Avonworth/Northgate track team has performed well but come up a bit short of a victory.

On the boys' team there were many individual performances that scored points for the team in a dual meet.

Josh Douglass placed second in the 110 meter hurdles, triple jump and long jump, and first in the discus. Patrick Parra placed third in the 110 meter hurdles and first in the 300 meter intermediate hurdles.

Costly mistakes and a few big plays -- forces that helped Avonworth beat Monaca in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs -- worked against the 'Lopes last week when they faced a much faster Clairton team at Chartiers-Houston.

The speedier Bears' defense shut down Avonworth's offense in the quarterfinals and Avonworth was shut out for the first time this season, 24-0.

The loss knocked the 'Lopes out of the WPIAL playoffs, ending their season with a record of 8-3 overall.

Both local high school football teams took to the road for another rainy Friday night of competition.

Avonworth returned home victorious, beating Leechburg 21-6. It was a night for underclassmen to shine. Both sophomore Brian Vales and junior Ryan Schmid returned interceptions for touchdowns, and Vales added another score via a reception.

Northgate struggled with bad field position, turnovers and penalties in the Flames' 31-0 loss to Bishop Canevin. Pat Carr took a pass from QB John Girvin some 90 yards across the goal line, only to have the TD called back due to a holding penalty.

Avonworth's first section game of the season against Brentwood went down to the wire, and the 'Lopes defense was asked to come up big late in the game.

Both local varsity football teams took to the road Friday night, where they ended up in some high-scoring games.

The numbers worked in favor of the Avonworth Antelopes, who brought home a 34-19 win over Neshannock. Antelope stand-out Jimmy Zubik scored three touchdowns and pulled down an interception, while teammmate Eddie Kurtz returned a fumble recovery for another touchdown. Quarterback Tom Turnbull added another TD to the scoreboard. Defensively, Ryan Schmid and Andrew Niklaus had interceptions for the 'Lopes.