Avon Lake Fights Off Late Amherst Comeback Attempt for 28-20 Victory

The Amherst Comets looked to remain undefeated this season as they took on their Southwestern conference rival, the Avon Lake Shoremen. The Shoremen have not lost to the Comets since 2001, and that streak would continue tonight. In what was a wild game with even wilder weather conditions, the Shoremen would come out on top 28-20.

On the first play of the game, Shoremen quarterback Alex Affolter looked deep down the field and was intercepted by David Dudziak of the Comets. The Comets were unable to capitalize off the turnover and were forced to punt on their first drive. On their second drive, Comets quarterback Cole Norris was picked-off on what was a great diving play from Luke Stuewe. The Shoremen would then take a 7-0 lead on a 2-yard rushing touchdown from Anthony Benedict.

Avon Lake would extend their lead when junior receiver Aidan Stewart caught a short pass from Affolter and took off down the sideline for a 75-yard touchdown. Stewart racked up 115 receiving yards in the first half alone. Cael Charles provided a spark for Amherst by taking the following kickoff all the way into Shoremen territory. A fumbled exchange between Norris and Bires then gave the ball right back to Avon Lake. Miscues like that on offense were the story of the first half for Amherst. Avon Lake would take a 14-0 lead into halftime.

After forcing a Comets punt on the opening possession of the second half, Sam Ferrone took the kick back all the way for another Shoremen touchdown. Alex Affolter would find Aidan Stewart open for his second touchdown of the game on their next drive. This time Stewart scored from 30 yards out, capping off a long drive to make it a 28-0 game. The Shoremen went 98 yards and took off 9 minutes of clock on that possession.

The Comets finally got on the scoreboard early in the 4th quarter when Cole Norris connected with Tristyn Young in the corner of the endzone for an 18-yard touchdown. Norris would find Young for a touchdown again on their next drive to make the score 28-13. The rain and wind then started to really pick up. The conditions would obviously play a huge factor down the stretch. With just under 4 minutes to go, the Shoremen botched the snap on a punt attempt. The ball was scooped up and returned for a Comets touchdown. Just like that, Amherst had put up 20 unanswered points to make it a 28-20 ballgame.

With 2 minutes to go the Comets got the ball back with a chance to tie the game. Cole Norris would make a miraculous play, after the ball was snapped over his head, he was able to recover and find Tristyn Young for a first down on the sidelines. But after a couple more botched snaps and some incompletions, time ran out on the Comets. The Avon Lake Shoremen would escape with a 28-20 win.

Aidan Stewart had a big day for Avon Lake, finishing with 7 catches for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns. Senior runningback Alex Kowalski stepped up big for the Shoremen after starter Anthony Benedict left the game due to injury. The Shoremen improve to 4-2 on the season and are 3-0 in SWC play.

Player of the Game: Aidan Stewart 7 REC 171 YARDS 2 TD