Avonworth upends East Allegheny to stay in hunt for conference title

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, October 13, 2018 | 12:18 AM

Avonworth defeated East Allegheny, 28-14, on Friday night and remained in the race for the Class 2A Alleghney Conference championship.

The Antelopes (7-1, 4-1) have a playoff spot wrapped up but will host top-ranked Shady Side Academy for a shot at the title in two weeks. They play a nonconference game at McGuffey next week.

“We’re excited where we are .. haven’t been here in a few years,” Avonworth coach Duke Johncour said.

Avonworth put six points on the board before its offense even touched the field when senior Turner Grau took the opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown. Grau also contributed on offense, catching four passes for 120 yards and one touchdown.

“Anytime you get a play like that to start a game, you’ll take it,” Johncour said.

Avonworth tried building off that play when senior quarterback Derek Johncour threw a screen pass to Grau on the first offensive possession. Grau was stripped from behind and fumbled, setting up East Allegheny with excellent field position, and ultimately a 1-yard touchdown rush by quarterback Dan Kasmier.

Avonworth answered on the next series when Johncour threw a slant route over the middle of the field and connected with Grau, who took it all the way for a 77-yard score. That connection came on a third and long where they were able to find a soft spot in the EA defense.

The Antelopes added two more scores and were driving again with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, when linebacker Ambre Hunter stepped in front of a Johncour pass and returned it 99 yards to pull East Allegheny back within 14 points.

The comeback was stopped after that as Avonworth was able to put together a few time-killing drives and secure the victory.

East Allegheny (5-3, 2-2) had trouble up front all night. The offensive line could not generate any room to run, or time for the quarterback. The Wildcats finished with just 2 rushing yards and were outgained 344 to 113 overall. Despite those numbers, the Wildcats defense was still able to hold Avonworth to 28 points and fought hard through the final whistle.

“Our effort is not in question at all,” East Allegheny coach Dom Pecora said. “We’re 5-3; we were the smallest team in eight straight games.”

East Allegheny’s schedule does not get any easier as the Wildcats finish the year with two Allegheny Conference games, traveling to Shady Side Academy in Week 8 and finishing at home against Valley in Week 9.

Cory Campano is a freelance writer.

Tags: Avonworth, East Allegheny