Football Comes Up Short Against Avila

Kansas City, Mo.- The University of Saint Mary Football team took on the Avila Eagles, which resulted in a 34-21 loss. The Spires are now 3-5 overall and 3-4 in conference play.

The game started with strong defensive play by the Spires that forced multiple punts. An interception by Duvell Green set the Spires up at the end of the first quarter. A stalled drive gave the ball back to Avila, who took advantage with a touchdown rush to make the score 7-0. After the teams traded punts, Avila again found the end zone to make it 14-0 late in the second quarter. The Spires responded with a touchdown as Erick Covington found Josh Walker for a 37-yard score. Right before halftime, Avila drove down the field in a hurry to attempt a field goal, but it was blocked by Jaxon Curtis. Landon Beecham recovered the blocked kick and returned it to the end zone as time expired to tie the game at 14-14.

The second half started with both teams trading punts until Avila capitalized on a Spire turnover to give them a 21-14 lead. Avila recovered the onside kick to help set them up for another score to put them up 28-14. Another Spire turnover on the ensuing possession set the Eagles up for another score that put them up 34-14. Saint Mary started the fourth quarter with a touchdown as Covington found Walker for a three-yard touchdown to make it 34-21. Both offenses were held scoreless to end the game, resulting in a 34-21 loss for the Spires. Covington threw for 106 yards and had two touchdowns on the day. Defensively Aidan Arnold led Saint Mary with 12 tackles, including a tackle for loss.

Up next

Saint Mary will hit the road next week as they take on McPherson at 1 p.m. on Saturday in McPherson, Kansas.