Dunlevy, defense overpower Red Devils
By Emily Adelman, Correspondent, The Times
Kennett quarterback Nick Dunlevy battles for yards, Friday night against Avon Grove.
LONDON GROVE — Kennett Football is back, and it is back with a vengeance. Opening up last year with a 7-6 loss against Avon Grove, the Blue Demons (1-0) kept that loss on their minds as they won their regular season opener 28-13 against the Red Devils (0-1) on Friday night.
The Blue Demons’ defense was what sealed the deal for Kennett.
“The defense is the heart of our team,” said Kennett Head Coach Scott Green. “It is where we have the most seniors, therefore the most experience. Our greatest strength is our defense.”
It sure was the greatest strength Friday night.
The Blue Demons racked up two timely sacks, two interceptions, two three-and-outs and forced Avon Grove to turn the ball over on downs three times.
Kennett was strong from the opening kick, scoring on their first drive of the game. Junior quarterback Nick Dunlevy faked a pitch, and took the ball 66 yards to the house, putting Kennett up 7-0 in the blink of an eye.
Both teams had trouble converting third downs for the rest of the quarter and the score remained 7-0 although as the clocked ticked down Avon Grove was in Kennett real estate. Not surprisingly, the action picked up immediately in the second quarter, as Avon Grove quarterback junior Shane McLaughlin rushed for a ten yard touchdown to even the score.
Kennett answered quickly, marching their way down the field for their next seven points. The possession was highlighted by Miles Robinson’s 17-yard run, followed by junior running back Matt Boessman’s 25 yard gain, ending in Robinson punching in a nine yard run for the score. Kennett was up 14-7 going into halftime.
In the second half, Kennett defense took over the game, holding Avon Grove to a measly 6 points.
The Blue Demons’ run offense executed well the entire night, with productive carries from sophomore running back Miles Robinson and junior Matt Boessman.
The next score did not come until eight minutes into the third quarter. Dunlevy hit Robinson in stride for a gain of 35 yards, and then Dunlevy ran in a five-yard score on third down. Blue Demons went two touchdowns ahead, 21-7.
Dunlevy ended the game with ten rushes for 135 yards and two touchdowns. He also completed five passes for 71 yards. All five of those passes were caught by Robinson, who ended the game with 118 all-purpose yards and one touchdown.
Robinson and Dunlevy gave the Kennett run offense the one two punch they have so desperately needed. “Me and Miles have really good chemistry,” Dunlevy said after the game. “We have been playing together since youth football and fit well together.”
Kennett started the fourth quarter the way they started the game. Only this time, the defense would truly shine. Avon Grove had possession on Kennett’s 30-yard line when sophomore quarterback Nick Stulski’s throw, intended for senior wide receiver J.J Moroz, was picked off by sophomore defenseman John Finfrock. He took it 92 yards for the pick-six to put the game out of reach.
Avon Grove would get one more score late in the fourth quarter coming off a 76 yard run by sophomore running back Nate Jones. The point after attempt was missed, leaving the Red Devils down by three scores with eight minutes left to play. Jones ended the night with 17 carries for 177 yards and one late touchdown.
Avon Grove did not give up. With four minutes left to play, Avon Grove, gaining momentum, marched down the field to the Kennett 15 yard line when junior defenseman Frankie Perigo came up with an interception in the end zone to seal the victory.
The Blue Demons are setting the bar high for the rest of the season with this great win over Avon Grove. Coach Green is excited about the direction the program is heading. “I expect the players to play hard and become a better team. It is a pleasure to coach these boys and I am already proud of them.”
Watch Kennett keep their win streak alive in their first home game next Friday night against the West Chester East Vikings
