In a heart-pounding homecoming clash, Avon Grove football took the stage on Saturday, September 30th, for a non-league showdown. What unfolded was nothing short of spectacular, as the Avon Grove Red Devils (4-2) orchestrated a symphony of defensive chaos, intercepting Academy Park’s quarterback, KJ Moore, not once, not twice, but thrice…and even snatching a coveted fumble.
In the opening act of the game, Moore unleashed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Camir Jones, propelling Academy Park to a 6-0 lead. But the story didn’t end there. Avon Grove adjusted and surged back in the second period. A thunderous 47-yard field goal by Adam Okonowicz electrified the crowd, and a 25-yard aerial spectacle from Frank Hoogerwerff to Moses T-Toe left spectators cheering…catapulting Avon Grove to a 10-6 halftime advantage. The catalyst for this surge was the interception by AJ LeClerc, deep within the Knights’ domain.
The third period featured solid defensive play from both teams, but in the early fourth quarter, Academy Park made a critical error. Faced with a high snap on fourth down deep in their territory, the ball rolled all the way to the three-yard line, where the Red Devils gained possession. One play later, Harrison Watson bulldozed his way in for a three-yard touchdown, and then he successfully converted a two-point run. With just 6 minutes and 52 seconds remaining, Avon Grove solidified the lead 18-6.
To attempt a comeback, the Knights heavily relied on their passing game. But it was Trevor Dosenbach who picked off Moore along the distant sideline and embarked on a thrilling 26-yard run to secure the victory for Avon Grove, 25-6. The Avon Grove defense, a bulletproof fortress, allowed only 37 yards and conceded a mere seven first downs. The charge was led by the indomitable Walsh, while Trevor Dosenbach, plucked not one, but two of Moore’s passes.
The Knights put up a good fight…while Moore amassed a staggering 171 yards. They have dropped 5 games in a row after winning their season-opener against Unionville.
As for the Red Devils, they are back at work today and focused solely on their next league game against Shanhan on Friday night. Mark your calendars for Friday Night Lights!
