AVILA FOOTBALL FALLS TO SOUTHWESTERN IN ROAD OPENER

WINFIELD, Kan. – After a home opening win last weekend, Avila football could not bring home a victory on the road Saturday, losing to Southwestern, 40-21.

With pressure on the quarterback and an interception by QB Nick Sanford II, Avila was unable to get on the scoreboard in the first half as Southwestern put up three touchdowns in the first half and led 20-0 at halftime.

Avila came out strong in the second half, going on an 11-play, 76-yard drive, capped off by a six-yard touchdown run by Jalen Thach, putting a dent in Southwestern's lead.

The Moundbuilders answered back right away with a long touchdown drive of their own on the ensuing possession, increasing their lead back to 20.

Back-to-back punts by Avila on their next two drives gave way to a 46-yard touchdown pass by Southwestern to increase their lead and put more distance on the scoreline.

Avila would then go on another long scoring drive, moving the ball 76 yards in 15 plays, finished off by a Caleb Perry two-yard touchdown run.

On Southwestern's first play of the next drive, Avila forced a fumble giving themselves great field position with just 23 yards to the end zone.

The Eagles took immediate advantage as tight end Kareem Chambers caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Thach to bring Avila closer, yet still trailing 34-21.

An Avila turnover on downs on its next possession essentially ended the game, giving Southwestern the ball back with just over 90 seconds remaining deep in Avila territory.

Three-straight runs, finished off by a three-yard touchdown run as time expired put a cap on the game and gave Southwestern the 40-21 win.

The Eagles fell to 1-1 on the season and are back at The Z next Saturday, as they take on Friends for a 1:00 kickoff back in Kansas City.