by COVER PHOTO CREDIT TO ROB ZIDEK
A near two-hour drive and playing in freezing weather did nothing to slow down or cool off the red-hot Avon Lake Shoremen tonight in Toledo. Their 16-14 win over Toledo Central Catholic once again proved the hype behind this team is more than real, it is deserved.
A defense this good can no longer be ignored and they are now one week away from slaying the Dragon that has haunted them the two past seasons in Avon. Toledo came in averaging 51 points a game, they held them to 14.
We all know about the mobile QB Michael Corbo and the duel back threats in Gage Duesler and Mason Wheeler, but tonight it was once again special teams and defense helping to build the lead and seal the victory.
Placekicker Owen Wiley had a night to remember as he nailed kicks of 23, 44 and 25 yards each to build a 9-0 lead with 2:34 to go in the first half.
A 61-yard pitch-&-catch from Bishop Vargas to Tae’Shaun Johnson cut into the Shoremen lead with 1:22 left in the first half to make It 9-7 Shoremen.
The Shoremen as they always are, were unfazed and used an incredible two-minute drill to get right back in scoring position. This time they would find the endzone with only 17 seconds to go as gage Duesler took it in from 9 yards out to give the Shoremen a 16- 7 lead at the break.
Toledo Central Catholic seemed to settle down a bit after the half and came out looking good in the third quarter. They started by forcing a three and out of the Shoremen offense. A little bit later in the quarter a Da’Quan Vinson sack would set up a Da’Shun blocked punt to give the Irish the ball at the 38-yard line of Avon Lake.
The Irish would capitalize when Prentiss Reasonover rushed for a 2-yard touchdown on the next possession. A Cole Tishler extra point made it 16-14 and gave everyone in attendance white knuckles to go with their frozen toes.
From there, the Catholic defense did everything they could to keep the Irish in it. Including a sack by Jalen Snackz Gregory and a forced fumble that appeared be returned 90 plus yards for a go-ahead touchdown. It was eventually called back because of a block in the back on the return at the 9:46 mark of the fourth quarter.
Another big defensive stop would give the Irish the ball back again with 3:43 left to play. Interceptions in their two next drives by Billy Simpson and Michael Stuewe would seal the deal for the Shoremen.
How good is Avon Lake? Think about this for a moment, they haven’t trailed in regulation the entire season. 36 quarters, never once playing from behind.
Their lone loss came in double overtime with five key players out of the lineup by that point in the game. Next weekend they get the chance to avenge that loss as they travel to Avon who won earlier tonight 38-28 over Brecksville.
