FRIENDS RUSHING ATTACK DEFEATS AVILA FOOTBALL IN WEEK 3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Friends University amassed nearly 600 yards on the ground on Saturday afternoon at The Z, defeating Avila, 56-10.

Avila went three-and-out on its first drive of the game. On the punt, the ball was snapped over Tristen Hood's head through the back of the endzone for a safety. Friends took a 2-0 lead and did not look back.

After two straight rushing touchdowns by the Falcons, Avila put together a six play drive – highlighted by a 47-yard run from Quentin Curtis – that ended with their first points of the game, a 45-yard field goal from Juan Delgado Medina.

Friends answered back immediately with a 74-yard rushing touchdown on the second play of the ensuing drive. After an Avila punt, Friends fumbled in Avila territory, with Ishe Smith Jr. picking up the loose ball.

Quarterback Eli Williams and the Eagles offense were unable to capitalize, taking a fourth-down sack on the ninth play of the following drive.

Avila entered the halftime locker room trailing 22-3.

The Falcons continued their rushing attack in the second half, with two third-quarter rushing touchdowns. Another Avila forced fumble was unable to be converted into points. The Eagles trailed 35-3 entering the final quarter.

Another Friends rushing touchdown was followed up by an Avila fumble, which Friends returned for a score, increasing the scoreline to 48-3.

The Eagles showed life on the next drive, with QB Nick Sanford II hitting Jordan Cummings for a huge 73-yard touchdown catch and run to give Avila its first trip to the endzone, yet still trailing 49-10.

One final Friends rushing score – their seventh of the game – capped the game with a 56-10 final score.

Nick Sanford II and Eli Williams combined for 160 yards through the air and Ishe Smith Jr. put up five total tackles, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble on the afternoon.

Avila (1-2), will look to bounce back next Saturday as they travel to Bethel to take on the Threshers.

(Avila photo credit: Issy Aguilar)