With the temperatures in the mid 60's during the day, fall suddenly arrived with a drop to the mid 40's and a wind that just wouldn't quit. Both teams started slow, but Avon's second drive went into the end zone late in the 1st quarter, which was the only score through the first three quarters. The action heated up in the 4th quarter with Stafford scoring to close to within a point. Then with just under three minutes remaining, the Falcons would capitalize on an interception and score their second touchdown. But the Bulldogs would respond and score with 34 seconds remaining. A 2-point conversion would tie the game. In overtime Avon scored first, then Stafford was intercepted in the end zone to end the game, with the final score Avon 21 - Stafford 14.
The game would start with both teams forced into a three and out. With Stafford going into the wind, they would start their 2nd drive on their own 2-yard line. Two first downs were followed by a couple penalties, and again the Bulldogs were forced to punt. With Avon starting on their own 38, John Rowley moved them to midfield. A short run would set up a 48-yard touchdown scamper by Rowley, which was called back to the Stafford 22 by an Avon penalty. Then with a 4th down and inches Mike D'Onofrio would burst 12 yards into the end zone with 51 seconds left in the quarter. Dave Wyrick would add the extra point kick to make the score Avon 7 - Stafford 0. The remainder of the half the teams battled back and forth with penalties and incomplete passes resulting in a lack of sustained drives.
The 2nd half would begin much as the 1st half played out. The Bulldogs started a drive late the 3rd quarter on their own 40-yard line. They would march down the field with quarterback Rick Harrison connecting with Aaron Avery-Serio for a 14-yard score with 7:29 remaining in the game. The extra point run came up short, to make the score Avon 7 - Stafford 6. Then the game heated up, even if the wind was howling and the temperature dropping. A short kick gave Avon the ball at their own 46, but the Falcons could not move and punted to the Stafford 14. On the first play, Zach Hoffman intercepted the Bulldogs and returned the ball 15-yards to the Stafford 27. Avon then marched into the end zone when Connor Mack bulled the final 5 yards for the score with 2:49 remaining. Wyrick's extra point kick was good to make the score Avon 14 - Stafford 6. But the Bulldogs' Harrison returned the kickoff 45 yards to the Avon 35. A 10-yard sack by Preston Anderson followed a 5-yard run by Tahj Eddington, who proved slippery to the Falcon defense all night. But Harrison would again team with Avery-Serio for a 35-yard pass, which would give the Bulldogs a 1st and goal on the 5-yard line. After a 4-yard run, Harrison would sneak into the end zone for the score with 34 seconds remaining in the game. Harrison would then add the two-point conversion run to tie the score at 14, forcing the game into overtime.
Overtime is played with each team getting the ball at the 10-yard line with four downs to score. That continues until one team is ahead. Avon had the first opportunity and John Rowley completed a 10-yard pass to Andy Roell on the first play from scrimmage. Wyrick again added the extra point kick. On Stafford's possession they were caught for a 5-yard loss on the first play, had an incomplete pass on second down, and then had the third down pass intercepted by Matt Gouveia to seal the victory for the Falcons. The final score was Avon 21 - Stafford 14.
Friday, Oct. 27, the Falcons travel to Tolland for a 7 PM game. This game may be a tougher match for the Falcons as they continue fine-tune their game. Of note - fullback Mike D'Onofrio suffered a concussion late in the game. He did walk off the field, but his game availability will be determined as the week goes on.