Last year, Avonworth walked into Springdale pulled out a last-minute 22-21 victory. This time around, Springdale wanted payback and got it in a 7-6 win on the road in our Eat 'N Park Game of the Week.
There wasn't as much scoring as the previous meeting, but there was just as much to be excited about in a game where both teams struggled with the rain and a few turnovers.
In the second quarter, Springdale senior quarterback Brian Shemenski fumbled on a Matt Mamich sack, and Jeff Rose recovered it for Avonworth, but the Antelopes could not take advantage.
(Springdale senior QB/DB Brian Shemenski)
Later on, Shemenski turned the ball over again for the Dynamos when his pass was intercepted by sophomore defensive back Brian Vales. But they eventually got the ball back when junior Kyle Hohman intercepted a Tommy Turnbull pass, giving Springdale a chance to get on the board.
Shemenski converted that chance and atoned for his early miscues with an eight-yard touchdown run where he reversed field from the right to the left and went in untouched to give the Dynamos a 7-0 halftime lead.
"You've got to give our kids a lot of credit because they sure as heck had a lot of turnovers," Springdale head coach Chuck Wagner told Channel 4 Action Sports' John Meyer after the game. "They hung in there tough when the pressure was really on."
(Springdale head coach Chuck Wagner)
The lead remained the same through the third quarter, but Avonworth was determined to get on the scoreboard, and the Antelopes made a deep run into Springdale territory with about eight minutes remaining.
But the Dynamos stepped up and denied them on a critical fourth down when Turnbull was stopped short by Sean Dugan, giving Springdale a chance to put the game away.
Avonworth forced a punt and got the ball back late in regulation with yet another chance to stay alive. With 1:50 left in the game, Jimmy Zubik took a pitch to the right and took it for a six-yard touchdown run, bringing the Antelopes within a point.
(Avonworth QB Tommy Turnbull under center for the Antelopes)
Avonworth head coach Jason Kekseo made the gutsy call for a two-point conversion and the lead, but Jimmy Zubik's halfback pass attempt was broken up by Shemenski, and Springdale held on for the win after recovering an on-side kick attempt.
"We worked all week in practice against that because that's what beat us last year," Shemenski said about Springdale's anticipation of the halfback pass play, which they saw in last season's matchup. "When the situation arose, I was there to make the play."
(Brian Shemenski talks with Channel 4 Action Sports' John Meyer after the big win)
The two teams are now tied for second place in the WPIAL Class A Eastern Conference. Springdale (4-1) will host Leechburg next week, while Avonworth (4-1) will have their homecoming game against Carlynton.
More Eat 'N Park Game of the Week:
>> even more previous game of the week videos >>
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