by Avon Lake has waited 11 weeks to gain redemption over an opening week loss to Avon, and after a thrilling 31-21 win tonight against Wadsworth, they have their chance!
What an incredible game that was close down to the final moments. Avon Lake overcame a 21-14 deficit to open the fourth quarter, and outscored the Grizzlies 17-0 to win in thrilling fashion.
The Shoremen haven’t been used to playing behind this season but showed the hearts of true champions once again as nothing fazed them in this epic late fall classic. Twice, the Shoremen came from behind.
The Shoremen once again shined in all three fazes of the game by scoring in the run and pass games on offense, causing five turnovers, one of which was a fumble returned for a touchdown by Kadyn Viancourt and then a late field goal by Harry Hebert to seal the deal!
Herbert showed nerves of steel as he had missed two earlier field goals by a matter of inches, to crush a no doubt about it shot from 39 yards out to push the score to 31-21 and seal the win.
As it has been all season long it was a total team effort. Tonight, was no different as quarterback Michael Corbo got everyone involved. Corbo connected with 8 different receivers, and came within inches of hitting Oehlstrom for a ninth different receiving connection.
Corbo tossed threw for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Creed Bolongnia caught a touchdown for the 3rd time in four weeks. Nathan Sidloski had 3 catches for 20 yards, Nate Cikalo and Mitchell Fedders had one catch for 19 yards each.
Jared Krukowski had 4 big catches for 44 yards. Nick Marsh, when he wasn’t rushing the opposing quarterback caught two balls for 43 yards. Aidan Grabowski caught one pass for 6 and Griffin Lidyard had one catch for a 6-yard touchdown.
Wadsworth had gotten off to a fast start, scoring on their opening drive with a 12-yard touchdown toss from Trey Shaffer to Tyler Montgomery. Shaffer had an up and down night as he threw for 135 yards, two touchdowns but 4 costly interceptions.
The Shoremen were not fazed and answered the Wadsworth touchdown with one of their own. It was a calculated drive that took five plus minutes off the clock and was capped off with a Corbo to Lidyard 6-yard touchdown pass.
The second quarter had ups and downs for both teams, and gave the fans plenty to cheer about. Harry Hebert who is almost a sure thing at kicker, had a rare miss from 34 yards. The ball sailed wide left by less then 3 inches.
The Shoremen shook it off and only seconds later it was Cikalo picking off Shaffer to give them the ball right back. This time taking full advantage with a Corbo to Creed Bolognia touchdown toss.
This time it was the Grizzlies playing from behind and it inspired them. Running back Dom Loparo who looked excellent tonight, finishing with 189 yards on 26 carries with a touchdown and fumble. He also caught 3 balls for 31 yards and a force on kick returns.
Loparo showed tonight that he could do it all. His 35-yard jaunt helped out by a terrible late hit call on Kai Kuwalu put the Grizzilies in the red zone. They would punch it in a few moments later when Shaffer hit Mitch Evans for a 12-yard touchdown.
The third quarter saw some wild plays as both quarterbacks threw bad interceptions right to the defenders, halting drives in their tracks. The Wadsworth punter even took a knee by accident trying to field a low snap on a punt.
The interceptions were by Rice of Wadsworth and Nate Cikalo of Avon Lake (his second) The only points of the quarter came on a Loparo 54 touchdown sprint past several diving defenders lefts in his dust.
Down 21-14, the Shoremen attempted another field goal to cut into the lead, and Hebert shockingly missed again. Once again it was just inches wide left from 38 yards. Hebert would get a chance to redeem himself later on.
On the very next play from scrimmage the Avon Lake magic began to happen. This time it was a great fumble recovery taken by Viancourt 29 yards to pay dirt to tie the game at 28 all.
That big played sparked the Shoremen and they never looked back. A few minutes later it was a Gage Duesler 7-yard touchdown run to give them the lead for good. Duesler finished with 122 yards on 25 carries with the touchdown.
Following a Vlasic interception, Hebert would redeem himself with the fore mentioned “nerves of steel” as he nailed a 39-yard field goal to put the game away with two minutes left.
Lidyard would intercept Shaffer one more time as the final seconds ticked off the clock sending the Shoremen to their long-awaited rematch with the cross-town rival Avon Eagles.
Congratulations to the Wadsworth on a great season! If the Shoremen can complete the redemption story next week against Avon, it may go down as one of the greatest stories told.
Great article!!! Thank you for your amazing coverage of is this season!
Great article! Thanks for detailing the hard work, great talent of these guys. I had many of the in my chemistry class, and they were just as hard working then. All of them have bright futures!!! So happy they are doing so well!
SO, SO PROUD OF AVON LAKE SHOREMEN!!!!! THANKS FOR THE GREAT COVERAGE! GO HARRY