Neal brothers carry No. 5 Avonworth to quarterfinal win over No. 4 Beaver

By: Jerin Steele
Friday, November 8, 2024 | 11:15 PM

Antelopes became Wildcats and then became dominant.

Using a Wildcat formation with brothers Nico and Luca Neal, No. 5 Avonworth scored on its first five possessions on its way to a 42-21 victory over No. 4 Beaver in the WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals Friday at Gypsy Glen Stadium.

Nico rushed for 272 yards and four touchdowns and Luca had 93 yards and a score, all from the Wildcat, which was a much different game plan than when the two teams met two weeks ago.

It played a big role in avenging a 34-14 loss to the Bobcats.

“It was personal,” Nico Neal said. “We came here two weeks ago and lost pretty badly. We’re starving for a WPIAL championship. The last two years we’ve come up short, so we’re really hungry to get there.”

Avonworth (9-3) advanced to play top-seeded Imani Christian next Friday in the semifinals. Beaver finished 8-3.

Nico got the night started for the Antelopes by rushing for 76 yards on six plays all on direct snaps. He scored on an 8-yard run to make it 7-0.

Then on the next drive it was Luca’s turn. He ran for 43 yards on five plays, capping it off with a 26-yard touchdown run.

Antelopes coach Duke Johncour was proud of how his offensive line blocked for the Neal brothers.

“All the talk was about how our offensive line was dominated two weeks ago (by Beaver),” Johncour said. “We knew we had a great O-line, and we showed that tonight. We ran with our running backs behind them and set the tone early.

“We came here two weeks ago and did not play well. I think our kids took them lightly. We did not take them lightly tonight.”

After stopping Beaver on a third down, the Neals again ran the ball into Bobcats’ territory, until they finally tried a pass.

Facing third and long Nico Neal threw to a wide-open Jackson Krul for a 21-yard touchdown. It was the only pass attempted by the Antelopes in the first half, and it came after 24 consecutive runs.

“I knew it was going to work,” Nico said. “They brought the safety down in the box. It was a great scheme and a great game plan.”

On the ensuing kickoff, Beaver’s Quay Cain fumbled and Krul recovered at the Beaver 14. Luca Neal scored on a 14-yard run on the next play to make it 28-0.

Nico added another touchdown from 15 yards out late in the second quarter.

The Neals combined for 300 yards rushing in the first half and sent the game into mercy rule.

“I think this shows that past games don’t matter,” Beaver coach Cort Rowse said. “You have to show up and be ready to play every single night. Success is momentary and that’s why you have to be ready to play every day.

“All the credit to Avonworth. They deserved it. I’m proud of my kids, because they didn’t quit. I’ll take this loss on me.”

Nico scored his sixth touchdown on a 60-yard run on the first offensive snap for Avonworth in the third quarter.

Beaver quarterback Travis Clear threw for 195 yards and connected with Amari Jackson and Philip Marino for touchdowns in the second half. Quay Cain scored on a 14-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Jerin Steele is a freelance writer

Tags: Avonworth, Beaver