Avengers Lose To Lincoln After Too Many Turnovers

The Avenger football team turned the ball over six times against the Lincoln Lions on Friday night as they lost their first league game of the season 26 to 6.

"You're not going to win a game when you turn the ball over six times" said EGHS Coach John George after the game.

But the East Greenwich defense was able to keep the game relatively close until the end of the fourth quarter when Lincoln quarterback Ryan O'Dell connected with running back Howie Bentley for the final touchdown of the game.

The Avenger defense was lead by lineman Chris Pogue, and by linebackers Sean Mahoney and Michael Gallucci.  Coach George made it a point to recognize the defense.  "I'm happy with the way they fought and didn't give up," he said.

The Avengers started out great by scoring on an eleven play opening drive capped off by a 1 yard quaterback sneak by Dan Miner. The extra point was no good.

Lincoln responded by going three and out, and giving the ball back to East Greenwich.  The Avengers ran two plays and fumbled it deep in their own territory.  This would be a continuous theme throughout the night.

Lincoln took over in Avenger territory, and was able to put together a drive capped off by a short touchdown run by running back Asjed Hussain.  The extra point was good, and Lincoln was up 7 to 6, they would not relinquish the lead for the rest of the night.

On the next series East Greenwich went three and out, and were forced to punt to the Lions.  Lincoln then put together a quick drive capped off by a 73 yard QB keeper O'Dell for the touchdown.  O'Dell would throw another TD to receiver Kyle Jackson to make the score 19 to 6 at the half.

Both teams were coming off hard fought non-league opening games last week.  East Greenwich beat Exeter/West Greenwich with a highly productive offensive output led by receiver Jonny Lamendola, while Lincoln lost to a tough Shea team out of Division II.  They were led by their three year starter at quarterback Ryan O'Dell.

The Avengers will have to be more consistent on offense and mitigate the penalties and turnovers next week if they want to get back into the Division III race.  The Avengers will play their first regular season game at the new Carcieri Field, where they'll take on the Burrillville High School Broncos.  Game time is Friday September 24 at 7 p.m.

During the game, prostate cancer was recognized. The coaches wore light blue wrist bands, and the referee's flags were also light blue instead of the usual yellow.