Avonworth is on a seven-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Beaver is on a six-game streak of away wins (also dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Antelopes will welcome the Bobcats at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
On Friday, Avonworth blew past North Catholic, posting a 42-10 win. The game was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 28-0.
Luca Neal was his usual excellent self, rushing for 210 yards and three scores on only nine carries, while also picking up 137 receiving yards and one touchdown. He really tore up the turf during one magnificent 89-yard run. Another player making a difference was Dimitri Velisaris, who rushed for 150 yards and one TD on only 13 carries.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Avonworth was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 373 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in November of 2024.
Avonworth's defense stepped up as well, laying out the QB four times. In that department, Romello Harris-Blanchard was the leader with three sacks.
Meanwhile, Beaver got the win against Quaker Valley on Friday by a conclusive 35-13. The Bobcats' offense checked out after the first half but had enough points banked to take the game anyway.
Avonworth better keep an eye on Jonah Justice. He was instrumental in Beaver's win, rushing for 190 yards and a pair of touchdowns while picking up 7.9 yards per carry. Justice also punched in two rushing touchdowns, which is notable because the Bobcats are undefeated when he posts at least two rushing touchdowns, but 2-4 otherwise.
Beaver now has a winning record of 5-4. As for Avonworth, their victory bumped their record up to 9-0.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Avonworth has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 223.3 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Beaver struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 171.2 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Avonworth took their win against Beaver when the teams last played back in November of 2024 by a conclusive 42-21 score. In that game, the Antelopes amassed a halftime lead of 35-0, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Friday.
