Avila Opens Bissell Division Play Versus KWU
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kansas Wesleyan (5-2) | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
|
Avila (1-6) | 3 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The KCAC entered a new era of competition with the first games of divisional play across the conference this weekend. Avila football began competition in what figures to be a competitive Bissell Division by welcoming longtime rivals Kansas Wesleyan to The Z for the first of five division games this Saturday at The Z.
Historically, the all-time series between these two longstanding rivals has been close, but this time the Coyotes (5-2, 1-0 Bissell) leaned on a strong run game to create two different scoring surges en route to a comfortable 34-16 win over Avila (1-6, 0-1 Bissell) on Saturday afternoon.
The Eagles got off to the hotter starter Saturday, piecing together a 13-play drive on their second possession of the day and taking the game's first lead courtesy of a 22-yard kick from freshman Dylan Globe. But Kansas Wesleyan answered right back, scoring a touchdown through Mark Benjamin and then turning an Avila fumble into a Talon Cope field goal to go on top 10-7 after the first quarter.
The Eagles then surrendered a fumble on the first play of the second quarter, but the defense got the ball right back courtesy of Jabari Judge's first career interception. That takeaway came to nothing, however, and on their ensuing drive the Coyotes got a rushing score from Tyler Boston to extend the lead.
Unfazed, the Eagles countered with a scoring drive of their own that culminated in a beautiful flea flicker from Jahkese Watkins to Luis Alvarez back to quarterback Eli Williams, who hit Kareem Chambers for a 24-yard touchdown to keep Avila within reach. A third-down sack from Ishe Smith Jr. ended another KWU drive but Avila could not convert, and Cope nailed a field goal as time expired to give the Coyotes a 20-10 lead at the break.
What looked like a promising drive to start the second half for the Coyotes was snuffed out by a Jordan Thomas fumble recovery, but Avila was forced to punt after a bad snap doomed the following drive, and the Coyotes were ready to convert on their next two chances: a receiving touchdown from Jacquante Pitts and rushing score from Nick Allsman extended the Coyote lead to 34-10, and though the Eagles got a late score from Williams to Watkins the hole was too large to climb out of, and KWU opened up divisional play with a 34-16 win.
Boston led the Coyotes' three-headed rushing attack with 119 rushing yards and a score. Eli Williams played a strong game in the comeback effort with the run game scuffling, throwing for 245 yards and two scores; Robert Brooks was Avila's leading receiver with 64 yards; Ishe Smith led the defense with ten total tackles, including three for a loss; Judge, in his first start of the year at safety, totaled six tackles with two picks and two pass breakups.
Every game in Bissell Division play will be important with a potential division title very much in reach for every team. Up next, Avila will travel to Hillsboro, Kansas for a divisional contest against Tabor next Saturday, October 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM. As always, you can watch all the action on the KCAC Network.
