Avonworth girls’ basketball head coach Bob Schulz has spent most of his life in one or another of Avonworth High School’s sports arenas, as a player and a coach. Coming back from retirement two years ago, he resumed coaching the perennial girls’ basketball powerhouse to a career milestone last Saturday, as the girls rewarded him for his time and effort with his 500th coaching career win at the local high school.

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

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.

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.

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."

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."

By MEL PERKINS

The Northgate Flames battled to the end, and pulled out a 32 - 27 victory against the Our Lady of Sacred Heart (OLSH) Chargers Saturday night. In T.J. Wiley's debut game as head coach of the Flames, his Northgate team showed a combination of speed, power and "quick strike" potential.

OLSH won the coin toss to start the game, and elected to receive. The Flames' Brett Howell kicked off, and Northgate's 2011 season was underway on a hot and humid night at Robert Morris' Joe Walton Stadium.

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.

Several new assistant and volunteer coaches will be taking to Northgate's football field with new head coach T.J. Wiley this year.

The school board approved the hiring of John Wiley as first assistant coach, and Hank Marziale as assistant coach, while accepting the resignation of assistant coach Christopher Lucas. The board also approved several volunteer coaches: Chris Conrad, R.J. Rasso, Zach Merz, Ron Coder and George Frisch.

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.

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.

By JIM RUMBLE

Thomas Jefferson once said, "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." That quote may pertain to the Avonworth girls’ basketball team when they hosted section rival OLSH on Monday, Jan. 3.

The 'Lopes, who struggled offensively from the field throughout most of the game, worked hard through a fourth quarter deficit before hitting on an off-balance shot at the buzzer to get into overtime.

The Lady ‘Lopes were able to take over from there, defeating the Chargers 40-36.

"We had a tough game tonight, " said head coach Bob Schulz.