Avondale Misses Two-Point Conversion; Ferndale Wins, 23-22

Avondale's gamble Friday night on a two-point conversation with 22 seconds left in the game failed as the Yellow Jackets fell 23-22 to Ferndale in the inaugural game at the team's new football field.

Avondale's attempt was stopped at the 2-yard line.

"There was no question we were going for two.  It wasn't even a question," Avondale head coach Steve Deutsch said.

Avondale's offense was successfully moving the ball all game long, including a 70-yard drive with three minutes left in the game, and Deutsch decided to go for the victory rather than risk going into overtime with a one-point kick.

"I got a running back who is dying for air and my quarterback is exhausted, so I didn't want to go to overtime, Deutsch said.  "I wanted to end it right there and just be done with it.  We had our chance, and it just didn't work out."

Deutsch praised the defense for playing tough the whole game, but admitted the Yellow Jackets had a few breakdowns trying to cover some of the more spread-out plays run by the Eagles offense.

"The kids fought hard and they didn't quit.  That was a huge drive to go down the field and score with barely any time left in the game," Deutsch said.

Ferndale's offense was practically shut down in the first half, but after making some halftime adjustments the Eagles came alive under the leadership of quarterback Eric Ellis.  Ellis rushed for two touchdowns and passed for another.

"In the first half we held them to three points.  In the second half we gave up three touchdowns," Deutsch said.

It was the inaugural game at Dick Bye Field, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a flag dedication with representatives from three branches on America's armed services: the Army, Navy and Marines.

What’s next

Avondale (3-1) hosts Birmingham Seaholm on Friday, September 23 at 7 p.m.

Ferndale (1-3) hosts North Farmington on Friday, September 23 at 7 p.m.