The Avenger Football team advanced their winning season with another win, cheered on by a large contingent of EG fans filling the stands and sidelines at Moses Brown’s Campanella Field. EG and Middletown remain tied in first place of Division III.

EG came on strong in the first quarter with touchdowns by Palmer and Crawford, as well as an extra point kick by Cleary. Moses Brown responded with one touchdown and extra point resulting in a 13-7 EG lead at the end of the first quarter. Just under a minute into the second quarter, Dan Josloff recovered a Quaker fumble, running it in for a touchdown. Josloff left the game after being called on a dead ball foul related to that play, his second personal foul of the game. The quarter continued scoreless until Avenger Jeremy Streich scored another touchdown with just six seconds left in the half followed by an extra point kick by Cleary, resulting in a 26-7 Avenger lead at the half. 

EG’s defense held back Moses Brown during the third quarter, forcing two interceptions. The Avengers scored 7 more points in the quarter with a Crawford touchdown and successful extra point kick by Cleary, leaving EG with a 33-7 lead going into the fourth quarter. The tide seemed to turn though when the Quakers made back-to-back touchdowns with successful kicks, reducing EG’s lead to 33-21. The Avengers cinched the game with a final touchdown by Cleary, resulting in a final score of 39 EG, 21 Quakers. 

In recapping the game, EG Coach John George felt that the team played well from start to finish. “We were a little worried in the second half when they scored, made an onside kick, and then scored again, but the kids settled down.” He was also happy with how the defense played. 

Quarterback Andrew Miner noted that errors and penalties are areas he feels the team will work on going forward.

The loss of Josloff “as a lineman and an emotional leader will hurt us some" for EG’s next game, Miner said.

Looking ahead to next week’s non-division game against North Kingstown, a D-I team, Miner said, “We’re going to have to play our best football to beat them.” 

The Avengers are scheduled to travel to North Kingstown on Friday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. Check www.riil.org to confirm the final date and time.