BEES TRAVEL TO AVON LAKE FRIDAY
By Dom DiPasqua/Staff Writer
Sunday, October 9, 2011
BRECKSVILLE – In the six times that these two teams have faced each other since Brecksville-Broadview Heights joined the Southwestern Conference in 2005 each club has won three games. Neither team has escaped victorious in the opponent's stadium.
The Bees (4-3, 3-1 Southwestern Conference) will be out to change that Friday night when they visit War Memorial Stadium in Avon Lake for a key league contest with the Shoremen (5-2, 4-0 Southwestern Conference).
On October 22, 2010 Brecksville upset then #13 Avon Lake at the Bee Hive by the score of 21-14. Senior running back Matt Galland ran for 218 yards on 33 carries and scored all three of the Bees touchdowns. The Brecksville defense was outstanding in this Senior Night victory.
Both the Bees and the Shoremen would go on to make the playoffs a year ago. Brecksville went 7-3 overall before losing a Division I, Region 1 playoff game at Solon against the top-seeded Comets.
Avon Lake went 8-3 overall last fall. The Shoremen dropped their first round playoff game in Division II, Region 6. This year Avon Lake is playing in Division I, Region 2.
This past Friday the Bees thumped Amherst Steele, 43-14 on homecoming. Sophomore quarterback Timmy Tupa tossed two touchdown passes and the Brecksville defense came of age for the second straight week.
At the same time the Shoremen trailed Westlake 10-7 at halftime before going off for 21 third quarter points in a 35-10 SWC victory at Lou Duchez Stadium over the host Demons. It was the Lakers 20th straight win over Westlake.
Quarterback Chris Jedlicka led a potent second half passing attack by throwing for a pair of scoring strikes after intermission. Running back Collin Lucas tallied two touchdowns on the ground. Jedlicka, who is in his first year as a starter at quarterback, went nine of 13 for 236 yards at Westlake.
The Bees and the Shoremen struggled early this season. Brecksville came out on the short end of big losses at Fremont Ross and Hudson before turning things around in league play.
Avon Lake was embarrassed opening night by neighboring non-league rival Avon, 38-7, in a televised game on Thursday, August 25th. They rebounded to defeat Shaker Heights in their home opener a week later and then traveled to Stark County where they lost to Massillon Jackson in week three.
In conference play the Shormen have run the table so far. They toppled North Olmsted, 45-23, posted a 28-0 shutout at Midpark, got past Berea, 20-18, at home and looked impressive last Friday at Westlake.
One of the Shoremen's top players is center and defensive end Ryan Pivcevich, a 6-1, 235-pound senior. Avon Lake is coached by Dave Dlugosz who is in his 19th season at the helm on Avon-Belden Road.
Avon Lake's football history is long and storied. The Shoremen have laid claim to 23 Southwestern Conference championships since entering the league in 1964, including the 2010 title.
The Lakers won the 2003 Division II state championship to put the icing on a 15-0 season with a 10-7 victory over Trenton Edgewood. Other SWC schools to win D-2 state titles are Brecksville-Broadview Heights in 1983 and Olmsted Falls in 2000.
Current Bees offensive coordinator Tom Tupa led the Bees to gridiron immortality 28 years ago. He'll call the plays from the sidelines Friday night in the headline game in the SWC.
Brecksville is a game behind the Shoremen in the race for the SWC flag. The Bees have never won at the War Memorial, which opened in 1959 and was revamped prior to the 2010 season.
"We're going to try and exorcise some demons in that place." Said BBHHS head coach Jason Black after his team's big homecoming win on Friday. "They'll be gunning for us. We beat them here last year."
Avon Lakes newly remodeled Stadium is stunning. The home grandstands are high and have a large number of seat back chairs in the middle sections. A new scoreboard is at the east end of the field and it has video capabilities. Their press box has been enlarged and a new synthetic playing surface as well as an artificial running track and upgraded lighting has been installed.
"We're looking forward to playing at their new place." Said the Bees veteran senior linebacker and co-captain Kyle Graham.
Beeville is 3-2 this season in games played on artificial turf. The Bees are scoring 21.5 points per game and allowing 25.7. Avon Lake is putting up 25.4 per contest and surrendering 19.8. This one will be another close battle.
Bee Nation fans should enjoy the surroundings although the weather forecast for Friday is bleak. A maroon and gold caboose sits at the grand entrance to the ballpark where it serves as the ticket office. A giant black anchor is just outside the entrance. The flags of all Southwestern Conference teams fly on poles on a grassy area just west of the ballpark. There is plenty of on site parking available for pre-game tailgating.
SCOUTING AVON LAKE:
District: Northeast.
County: Lorain.
Address: 175 Avon-Belden Road (44012).
Superintendent: Bob Scott.
Principal: Dr. Joanie Walker.
Athletic Director: Tom Barone.
Head Coach: Dave Dlugosz.
Seasons as head coach: 19.
Coaches High School: Avon Lake.
Head Trainer: Beth Hauck.
Conference: Southwestern.
School Colors: Maroon and gold.
Nickname: Shoremen.
Division: I.
Region: 2.
Male Enrollment: 494.
Notable: Southwestern Conference rival Amherst Steele is also in Division I, Region 2.
Home Stadium: War Memorial Stadium.
Capacity: 5,800.
Playing Surface: Artificial Field Turf.
Team website: www.shoremenfootball.net.
AVON LAKE, OHIO 44012:
Population: 18,145 (2000 census).
Land Mass: 11.1 square miles.
Location: On the shores of Lake Erie.
Notable: Tree City USA.
Median Family Household Income: $65,988.
Elevation: 600 feet above sea level.
Corporate home to: PolyOne.
Famous Sports Residents: Tony Gonzalez (NFL), Travis Hafner and Sandy Alomar, Jr. (Cleveland Indians), Zydrunas Ilgauskas (NBA, recently retired).
WEATHER FORECAST FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011:
Daytime high: 58.
Nighttime low: 49.
Chance of Rain: 40%.
Winds: WSW at 21 mph.
Humidity: 75%.
Sunset: 6:49 pm.
GAME TIME CONDITIONS:
Temperature: 53.
Forecast: Rainy and breezy.
Game end temperature: 50.
See You At The Bee Hive!
To contact: Ddipa67834@aol.com.
Follow the Lady Bees volleyball team on the web at: www.beesvolleyball.com.
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