Wildcats ‘double up’ in victory over Avella
Shenango (37) vs. Avella (21)
Written: Sep 04, 2010
By JOE SAGER
ncsports@ncnewsonline.com
AVELLA — Shenango High’s Double Wing was double trouble last night for Avella.
The Wildcats racked up 363 rushing yards to fuel a 37-21 nonconference victory over the Eagles.
“Coming out here, our line blocked great and we just ran the ball down their throat basically,” Shenango senior Scott McBride said.
McBride led the way as he racked up 166 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries. Joe Seaburn totaled 128 yards and a pair of TDs on 12 totes for the ’Cats. Those performances were encouraging, especially since leading rusher Anthony Kosciuszko began the season on the sideline because of a hand injury.
“It was definitely nice to come out and do that,” McBride said. “Koz was a big part of our offense. To see that Seaburn and I can step up and fill in his shoes is a great thing.”
Shenango coach Ryan Mayo was happy to see other players step up offensively.
“No doubt. Scotty has been a player for us for three years. He’s never really had the limelight so for him to get a little of the limelight is great,” he said. “Joe was a good player for us last year, but he’s really stepping up this year and doing a nice job as well.”
Avella (0-1) scored on the first drive of the game, but the ’Cats answered with a TD of their own on the ensuing possession.
After letting quarterback Aaron Grymes run the ball out of a shotgun formation for most of its first possession, the ’Cats (1-0) shifted to their Double Wing formation. Seaburn capped the initial Shenango drive with a 33-yard TD run. The Eagles are still trying to figure out how to stop the Double Wing.
“The Double Wing is something that coach (Jon) Hale wanted to put in for short-yardage situations,” Mayo said. “So we have been repping it and repping it and repping it for that. When Anthony got hurt, it seemed like the opportune time to do more of it. We really featured it and I am sure it will be a big part of the game plan henceforth. It’s really hard to key on one person and it lets other people step up like Seaburn and McBride. I think he did a great job preparing that package and I think our line did a great job executing it.
“We didn’t show it in either scrimmage, so I am sure Avella wasn’t prepared for it. I am sure it’ll be a little easier to prepare for it now. But, if the line does its job and the backs do get accustomed to it, it’s a tough little package to stop, for sure.”
Shenango’s defense struggled to contain the Eagles as Luke Liggett broke through for a 73-yard run early in the second quarter. Jared Magon’s conversion run made it a 15-7 game.
“We had a rough start. I don’t know if our kids were mentally prepared. I don’t think they took this game seriously enough and I think that showed in the first quarter,” Mayo said. “It’s good to know that we can face adversity and persevere through it.”
The ’Cats answered 20 seconds later when Seaburn rambled 27 yards into the end zone. Grymes added the conversion run.
Shenango dominated the second half and produced a 22-point third quarter. Grymes got things going when he raced 48 yards for a touchdown on a quarterback keeper. He added the conversion run for a 23-15 lead. McBride put the game out of reach with a pair of long TD runs. He broke loose for a 61-yard scamper and a 37-yard scoring jaunt. He nearly had a third later in the frame, but he was hauled down for a 40-yard gain.
“It felt so good. I thought I had that third one, but the safety took a good angle on me,” McBride said. “Our line blocked great and opened up some big holes. Once you see that open field, you just kick it into second gear and race to the end zone.”
Avella capped the scoring with a harmless touchdown pass in the waning seconds.
Despite the win, the ’Cats know they have to improve during their preparation for next week’s nonconference game at Chartiers-Houston.
“We still have to watch film and see what we did wrong,” McBride said. “We just have to get back at it and come back harder next week and get another win.”
SHENANGO AVELLA
16 First downs 15
389 Yards Rushing 173
26 Yards Lost 4
363 Net Rushing 169
3 Passes Attempted 31
1 Passes Completed 16
0 Passes Intercepted 2
11 Yards Passing 140
374 Total Yards 309
3-1 Fumbles-Lost 1-0
2-31.5 Punts-Average 2-40.5
10-82 Penalties-Yards 6-47
SHENANGO 7 8 22 0 — 37
AVELLA 7 8 0 6 — 21
Scoring plays
AVELLA — Jared Magon, 4-yard run (Andy Cilia kick).
SHENANGO — Joe Seaburn, 33-yard run (Ronald Davis kick).
AVELLA — Luke Liggett, 73-yard run (Magon run).
SHENANGO — Seaburn, 27-yard run (Aaron Grymes run).
SHENANGO — Grymes, 48-yard run (Grymes run).
SHENANGO — Scott McBride, 61-yard run (Davis kick).
SHENANGO — McBride, 37-yard run (Davis kick).
AVELLA — Damon Cupp, 12-yard pass from Cameron Geresti (pass failed).
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