Peck leads Avon Grove to Their First Win on Homecoming

Written by: Brenden Curry on Sunday, October 7th, 2012. Follow Brenden Curry on Twitter.

According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, “victory” is defined as, “achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.” In sports, victory is earned with hard work and patience. The hard work and patience paid off for the Avon Grove Red Devils as they earned their first victory of the season.

Avon Grove defeated West Chester East 41-31 on their homecoming game for their first victory of the season. Offense and defense plus special teams were clicking for the Red Devils but the offensive side showed the most explosiveness.

Avon Grove started the scoring on their first play scrimmage with junior quarterback Tanner Peck throwing a 63 yard pass to senior wide receiver Jared Braxton. A successful two-point conversion made the score 8-0 in AG’s favor.

Senior Jared Braxton recovered a fumble on the following kickoff after the Avon Grove touchdown drive. That drive produced a 12 yard pass from Tanner Peck to Senior Tripp Moran and a missed field-goal attempt hitting the right upright.

“I think their passing game has been there all year for us,” said Avon Grove head coach Doug Langley. “I think it’s our strong point and it’s been getting better every week.”

In the beginning of the second quarter, West Chester East quarterback Jon Jon Roberts delivered a 66 yard touchdown to place West Chester East within a score. The Red Devils responded with another touchdown pass from Peck to freshman Beau Kush to make the score 21-7.

“It was awesome,” said junior quarterback Tanner Peck on the offensive performance. “It was a lot of fun and the line did a great job. Everybody played well and it was awesome, fun time.”

“We had a better flow and honestly I think the offense is starting to trust each other. It’s coming along nicely,” said senior Ryan Amanto on the Red Devil offense’s recent power surge. “Chemistry is building beautifully. We’re not turning on each other as much as we used to but we are coming together as a team and as a family.

West Chester East responded nearly a minute later when Viking running back Jordan Jackson scored a 22 yard touchdown. Later in the second quarter, Amanto was tackled in the end zone for a safety.

West Chester East did take the lead in the beginning of the third quarter with a touchdown pass from Jon Jon Roberts to wide receiver Alex Corialos. Avon Grove did score another touchdown with an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt to retake the lead 27-23. Later in the third quarter, Tanner Peck once again threw another touchdown pass to Tripp Moran.

The fourth quarter started off with an interception by Ryan Amanto that started the drive that led to a rushing touchdown by senior Brandon Smethurst. Sophomore Kyle Harris recorded an interception midway through the fourth quarter. West Chester East did score a 13 yard touchdown with 0:43 left on the clock.

“Offensive line was doing fantastic. Getting our blocks, Tanner (Peck) had plenty of time the pocket,” Junior Drew Saienni commented on the offensive line’s performance. Whenever there was a mistake, we corrected it and came back the next play.”

“I like to say that I rallied the team and I get everyone pumped. I can’t do it without everyone else.” Peck commented about his influence on the team. “Our line did great tonight and our running backs ran well. Receivers ran good routes and I just put the ball there.”

“Yes, a lot. Tanner’s leading the team as a captain and he is one of the leaders of the team. Saienni commented on Peck’s leadership role.

The whole team stood out in the victory against West Chester East. Amanto did say that if the defense sticks to their keys, they could be one of the best defenses in the Ches-Mont League.

“It all comes down to sticking with your keys and being mentally prepared. We were mentally prepared for most of today.” Amanto commented on the defensive performance.

With the victory against West Chester East, Avon Grove is now 1-5. The remaining schedule consists of one more home game against Downingtown West while finishing the season on the road against Delaware powerhouse Salesianum, West Chester Henderson and Coatesville plus Haverford Township.

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