Riverview Raiders Struggle Offensively, Fall To Avonworth

The Riverview Raiders, playing without quarterback Jacob Milberger, struggled offensively in a 26-0 loss to Avonworth Antelopes Saturday afternoon. The loss drops the Raiders record to 2-3, and 2-2 in Eastern Conference play.  Avonworth improves to 4-1 in conference action with the victory.

Cory Bickert, who has been the Raiders’ top receiver this season, filled in as signal caller for the injured Milberger for the second straight week. Bickert completed seven of his 14 passing attempts for 59 yards, but threw two interceptions. 

Bickert also was the team’s leading rusher, as he compiled 39 yards, but fumbled twice. Despite the turnovers, Head Coach Todd Massack liked the effort he saw from his quarterback.

“Cory is a good athlete and a good leader for us," Massack said. "I’m not worried about his mistakes because I know he makes up for it by putting us in good positions with his athleticism.” 

Massack was not pleased with the Raiders’ running game in this contest, though, as Ricardo Nunley never got in a rhythm and Riverview failed to sustain drives. 

In contrast, Avonworth scored all four of its touchdowns on the ground. The Antelopes were led by Ricky Lawniczak, who totaled 93 yards rushing and a touchdown on 18 carries. 

Quarterback Brian Vales completed only two passes in the contest, but accounted for 67 yards rushing, including the only score in the first-half.  Anthony Tomasino found the end-zone on an 11 yard run midway through the third quarter, and Lawniczak had a 1-yard touchdown in the closing seconds of the third to put Avonworth up by 20. 

Jesse Zubik capped off the scoring for the Antelopes with a 24-yard touchdown run with just three seconds left in the game.

Massack accurately gave credit to this talented Avonworth squad.

“I thought we played well, especially on defense today, but we were playing against a good football team,”  he said.

With the game already decided late in the fourth quarter, Riverview’s Matt Gauger sustained an injury that required him to be taken off the field in an ambulance, halting play for nearly 20 minutes. Massack did not have a health update on his senior lineman immediately after the game. 

Raiders’ wide receiver Tim Wagner enjoyed a good game, as he caught four passes for 44 yards, although rainy conditions made passing difficult in the contest. 

Riverview looks to rebound next week when it hosts Our Lady of Sacred Heart.