McCANDLESS, Pa. — The Avonworth Antelopes (7-1, 4-0) had a bad taste in their mouth entering their duel with North Catholic (4-4, 1-1). The Trojans ended the Antelopes season in the WPIAL playoffs last season and plenty of Avonworth players did not forget that. Avonworth came out and dominated from the first series of the game, defeating North Catholic, 37-7.
The second offensive play of the game was a fumble that Avonworth jumped on, leading to a short field. The Antelopes took advantage, scoring quickly on a 27-yard pass to Luke Neely.
From there, Avonworth dominated field position. They recovered an onside kick which led to a punt, but one that pinned NC deep.
North Catholic punted, and then Peyton Faulkner hauled in a 38-yard bomb, ripping the ball out of mid-air, and walking into the end zone to make the lead 14-0.
A short field led to Avonworth driving again and throwing a 7-yard pass to Austin Joncour who made a highlight worthy play in the back of the end zone.
Up 21-0 Avonworth had a chance to put things away before halftime. A two minute drill resulted in a jump ball for Faulkner, who nabbed his second TD of the half, and gave his team a 28-0 lead at halftime.
Avonworth won the field position battle in the second half as well. A big pass to Faulkner set them up at midfield but they had to punt. The punt pinned them deep, and caused issues for the Trojans. A failed option for a loss and intentional grounding in the end zone extended the lead to 30-0.
Faulkner almost had a third touchdown, but instead drew a pass interference near the goal line. This set up a short pass to Brandon Biagiarelli for a touchdown. That extended the lead to 37, but the mercy rule was only in effect until the opening kick off. North Catholic returned the kick and made the game 37-7.
Avonworth will take on Seton LaSalle at home next week, while North Catholic will head to Indiana.
