Maryland Community Newspapers Online
Cue sophomore running back-linebacker David Collins. Accounting for three touchdowns and a momentum-changing interception, Collins led the Black Knights of Gaithersburg over the Eagles 28-6 in a contest that was played at Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick.
After a dismal stretch of play of which Eagles' head coach Bill Wilson called "a comedy of errors, which wasn't funny," Collins got Avalon rolling. Hauling in a Frederick pass tipped by teammate Michael Duberstein, he rumbled out of the end zone to his own 43. Five plays later, freshman quarterback Stephen Funk hit running back John Funk for a three-yard score. Stephen Funk added the two-point conversion for a 8-0 lead at 4:19 in the second quarter.
Unable to pad their 8-0 advantage through final moments of the first half or into the third quarter, the Black Knights (2-8, 1-3 conference) finally regained their composure and began to build up a rhythm. Collins (26 carries, 144 yards) capped of an eight play, 65-yard drive, on which he recorded five carries, on a five-yard scamper at 3:45, giving his team a 14-0 lead.
Going in for the kill, Avalon converted an onsides kick, its second of the day, on the ensuing kickoff. Taking possession at Frederick County's 22, the Black Knights marched down the field. Dropping back, Collins dropped a pass over the outstretched hands of the Eagles' into the hands of Daniel Kline for their team's third touchdown. Collins would add another score late on a one-yard push.
"In the second half we just told them to keep pounding, and keep doing what we do," Avalon head coach Jerry Sarchet said. "We just started moving the ball. I think they we're getting a little worn down and out offensive line just really controlled the game."
Frederick (1-7, 0-4), which showed little during the initial three quarters, came to life in the fourth. Recovering another Avalon onsides kick on the Black Knights' 37, the Eagles took advantage of prime field position. Cass Crampton rumbled in for a one-yard score late to put his team on the scoreboard. The TD was set up by a 35-yard completion from quarterback Josh Smith to wide out Richard Brown.
"It's always a good thing they don't give up," Wilson said. "For some reason we've had a tough season this year. But we have a lot of young guys and I think many of them are learning how to play football for the first time. It's ok, we'll keep at it and get there next year."
Isaiah Smith recovered an onsides for the Eagles, while defensive lineman Jordan Way recorded a sack.
The game took a scary turn in the second quarter when Avalon senior linebacker Clay Longest and Frederick tailback Tim Coleman collided on a hit that resonated across the field.
Sarchet believed Longest suffered a neck injury often referred to as a stinger. Coleman limped off, but returned to the field.
After being immobilized by training staffs, an ambulance was called and he was taken away to a local hospital. Sarchet said he had spoken with Longest after the game and noted that his player had feeling in all his exterminates and was doing fine. The game was delayed for more than 30 minutes to tend to him.
