Euclid, Ohio -- A sunny Thursday evening in Euclid was the scene as the Benedictine Bengals (0-1) took on Avon Lake (1-0).
Avon made it a focal point to get Luke Stuewe going as he had three receptions on their first drive. The drive would ultimately be ended by a missed field goal attempt.
When asked about his hot start early, Stuewe said, “I don't know, just the connection with him (Affolter) is really easy.”
After an empty Benedictine drive, and another empty drive from Avon, a forced fumble would put them in great position to get going in the second quarter.
Avon would start the second quarter out with a field goal giving them a 3-0 lead.
The offense would come right back onto the field thanks to another Benedictine fumble. This would prompt a seven yard rushing touchdown from Wade Nelson to put Avon up 10-0.
Benedictine’s struggles continued, around six minutes to go they suffered from yet another fumble.
The turnover would set up an 11 yard rushing touchdown for Anthony Benedict to put Avon up 17.
Luke Stuewe would make the last big play of the half with his interception to close it out, Avon led 17-0.
Michael Pace would help get Avon started in the second half with an early interception.
This would set up a 35 yard touchdown pass to Luke Stuewe a play later with nine minutes to go in the quarter.
When asked about his trust in his receiver Stuewe, Junior quarterback Alex Affolter said ,“He’s an amazing athlete. He always does the right things, he's always open. I trust him to be there."
The Bengals would come out not laying down, as they established Luke Reed and Maloney in the run game. Reed would be the one to get in the end zone with a five yard run.
Avon would end the quarter establishing Bova in their run game as well. Avon ended the 3rd up 24-8.
Avon carried on with their run attack to start out the fourth as Jake Bova would score a two yard touchdown with around eight minutes to go.
The Bengals fought back as Nehemiah Seals would catch a string of first down receptions, setting up a 33 yard touchdown run from Luke Reed.
Avon would get the ball back and close it out with another Bova touchdown run for 16 yards with around three minutes left to go. Avon would win the game 37-15.
When asked about the win tonight coach Kostelnik said, “ It was nice to see us sustain those drives…to me that was probably the most successful thing that could happen."
Avon Lake will be in action again 9/1 as they hit the road to take on Chardon High while Benedictine plays St. Francis (NY) on 9/2.