Avon Beats Glenville in 24-16 Thriller

After the Tarblooders (2-1) took their first lead in the fourth, Avon (3-0) scored ten points in just over three minutes to hold on for a 24-16 victory. Senior QB Nolan Good proved to be a genuine duel threat, throwing for 238 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 81.

Defenses Shine Early

After last year’s game ended on a big defensive play late, both units came out of the locker room looking to prove a point. On the game’s third play, Glenville QB Ruel Tomlinson had his pass tipped at the line of scrimmage, and big DL Jeremiah Kelly came up with an interception. Just a few plays later, the Tarblooders would get a pick of their own as DB Bryce West came up with an interception in the end zone.

After disaster ensued on their first possession, the Eagles put together a nine-play drive capped off by a Nolan Good to Jakorion Caffey 11-yard touchdown to go up 7-0. Good got his second touchdown of the contest on the next drive when he hooked up with Cole Kepner for an 18-yard score, making it 14-0 Eagles midway through the second.

With their backs against the wall, the Tarblooders would respond. Backed up to their six-yard line, Glenville put together a 14-play, 94-yard drive that ended with a 45-yard strike from Tomlinson to Jamari Townsend. After the two-point conversion from D’Shawntae Jones, Avon took a 14-8 lead into the half.

Late Game Drama

With just a six-point margin separating the squads at halftime, both defenses locked down in the third quarter, highlighted by an interception from Eagles DB Jakob Weatherspoon. Early in the fourth, Avon had their drive halted when the Tarblooders knocked the ball loose and came up with the recovery.

Running out of time to make their move, Glenville rose to the occasion in a big way. Backed all the way up to their own six, Tomlinson called his own number for a huge 53-yard gain. Two plays later, he found Damarion Witten who split defenders and took it to the house for a 32-yard score. Jones would take the ball around left end for his second two-point conversion of the game and gave Glenville the lead 16-14.

Avon responded by marching deep into Tarblooder territory, and kicker Owen Warrick converted from 27 yards out to put the Eagles up 17-14. A penalty during the kick on the Tarblooders would move the ball forward on the kickoff.

As the teams lined up for the kickoff, shouting was heard on the Glenville sideline about moving up to defend against an onside attempt. Right on cue, Warrick hit a little dribbler out in front of himself and recovered the kick, setting Avon up on the Glenville 34.

After Good gained 16 on first down, he connected with Paul Leftrict for an 18-yard touchdown, giving the Eagles a 24-16 lead. Down to their last chance, Glenville would gain some positive yards on the ensuing drive but were doomed by penalties, allowing Avon to hold on for the 24-16 win.

Keys to the Game

Junior QB Nolan Good had himself a game. After throwing an interception on his second attempt, the first-year starter responded by throwing three touchdowns the rest of the way. When things broke down in the pocket, he was able to use his legs to keep the play alive and finished with 81 yards rushing.

Glenville is a team known for their rushing attack, and the Eagles were able to hold star RB D’Shawntae Jones to just 28 yards rushing. The Tarblooders were heavily penalized in the game, primarily false starts, which is crushing in a close contest but also easily correctable going forward.

Next Week

The loss snaps Glenville’s 17-game win streak, and they will look to get back in the win column next Friday when they host John Adams in their Senate League opener. The Rebels will be looking for their first win of the season after falling 36-0 to Cleveland JFK.

A big win over a tough Tarblooder team further solidifies Avon as a Division II contender, and they’ll look to continue their unbeaten start when they head to Elyria (0-3) next Friday night. The Pioneers took a 35-0 loss on the road to Akron East in Week 3.

Top Performers

Glenville Tarblooders

Ruel Tomlinson: 11-24 176 yards 2 TD 2 INT    7 carries 87 yards

D’Shawntae Jones: 7 carries 28 yards 2 2pt. Conversions

Avon Eagles

Nolan Good: 19-24 238 yards 3 TD 1 INT    13 carries 81 yards

Jakorion Caffey: 14 carries 56 yards    4 catches 85 yards TD

Tyler Kaufmann: 8 carries 15 yards    2 catches 9 yards

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Avon 1:14- Nolan Good to Jakorion Caffey, 11 yards (Warrick kick good)

2nd Quarter

Avon 6:54- Nolan Good to Cole Kepner, 18 yards (Warrick kick good)

Glenville 1:41- Ruel Tomlinson to Jamari Townsend, 45 yards (Jones 2pt. good)

4th Quarter

Glenville 9:56- Ruel Tomlinson to Damarion Witten, 32 yards (Jones 2pt. good)

Avon 6:51- Owen Warrick 27-yard field goal

Avon 6:03- Nolan Good to Paul Leftrict, 18 yards (Warrick kick good)