BACK-TO-BACK WINS FOR EAGLES FOOTBALL AS AVILA TOPS STERLING

STERLING, Kan. – For the first time all season, Avila football picked up consecutive wins after a 20-7 victory at Sterling on Saturday afternoon.

A slow offensive start by both teams saw four combined punts and a turnover on downs before Avila's offense came alive thanks to a timely turnover from the Eagle defense.

On the first play of their third drive of the game from just inside midfield, Sterling threw an interception right into the hands of an Eagles defender off of a flea flicker. Erik McCall Jr., nabbed the pick just inside the 20-yard line with four minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Two plays later, Avila found the end zone.

Avila QB Eli Williams hit Mecoast Vaught down the left sideline for an 81-yard touchdown reception. Vaughn went untouched the entire to open the scoring.

Nearing he end of the first quarter, Avila led 7-0.

After a Sterling turnover on downs and an Avila punt on the following two drives, Sterling marched its way down the field. On the 17^th play of the drive, Sterling lined up for a 36-yard field goal attempt.

As has been the case the last three games, the Avila special teams stepped up when it mattered.

Kameron Greene blocked the Warriors field goal attempt and recovered the block inside the Avila 20, setting the Eagles up with great field position and a first-half shutout intact.

Unfortunately for Avila, the offense couldn't capitalize and Sterling forced a punt.

Four plays into their next drive, Avila's defense made another big play.

With Sterling in their hurry up offense trying to score before halftime, Eagles standout linebacker Jay Wright came up big.

Wright picked off the Sterling pass and returned it 70 yards for another Avila touchdown. It was the second-straight game in which Avila had a defensive or special teams touchdown.

Heading into halftime, Avila led 14-0.

In the third quarter, Avila had another big play up their sleeve. Nearing the eight-minute mark, Eli Williams took a quarterback draw up the middle and ran untouched for 51 yards into the end zone. A missed PAT still saw Avila hold a 20-0 lead.

Sterling added a rushing touchdown to get on the board on its ensuing drive.

Avila's defense forced a turnover on downs and then intercepted another Sterling pass early in the fourth quarter.

After Sterling forced an Avila special teams fumble on their following offensive drive, the Eagles defense took the ball right back.

Erik McCall Jr picked off Sterling's quarterback for the fourth Avila interception of the afternoon – and fifth forced turnover overall – on what turned out to be one of the final plays of the game. From there, the Eagles took a kneel down to secure the 20-7 victory.

Eli Williams threw for 183 yards and a score and added 72 yards on the ground with another touchdown, while the Avila defense forced five turnovers and scored a touchdown of their own.

Avila (3-7, 2-2 KCAC) returns to The Z on Saturday, Nov. 16 for Senior Day against Saint Mary. Kickoff is slated for 11 AM.

(photo credit: Issy Aguilar)