The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Shoremen defense shines
Avon Lake was prepared for the high-powered Lorain offense heading into its final scrimmage Aug. 22 at George Daniel Field. The Shoremen didn’t face all the playmakers their opponent had to offer, but the team came away feeling good about its ability to stop teams this season.
Coach Matt Kostelnik began the preseason believing defense would be his team’s strength this season, and seeing his players perform in a game-type situation during a jamboree style scrimmage only confirmed what he already knew.
“I wanted to see what our defense could do against a faster offense and they performed. They looked really good,” Kostelnik said.
“It was nice to see them get after it and run to the ball and do what they do best. Our defense is gonna be about speed this year and they showed it today.”
Unfortunately, Kostelnik wasn’t as pleased with how the offense performed, and told the Shoremen they played “good, not great” during the postgame huddle.
The offense connected for several big pass plays. But struggled to run the ball and gave up a fumble during the second quarter that the Lorain defense scooped up and ran back for a touchdown.
Not ideal with Avon Lake’s biggest rivalry game of the season one week away when it faces Avon on opening night Aug. 30.
“We were kind of all over the place, especially to have the ball almost the whole first half and only come away with 14 points,” Kostelnik said.
“We need to get better, work on finishing drives and making sure we don’t give up stupid penalties or obviously that fumble.”
But there’s no panic in the locker room.
After all, Avon Lake was a playoff team and Southwestern Conference champion in 2018 and returns 20 total lettermen to make for what should be another banner season for the Shoremen in 2019.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” Kostelnik said. “Practice is definitely gonna get a quick upturn knowing where we’ve got to be next week.
“The guys are focused. I’m excited to see where they’re gonna be at coming into next week, but we’ve got a lot of work on offense. I think we’re in a good spot on offense we just got to, again, finish those drives, work on our protection a little bit. Those little things, getting 11 guys working together, if we can get that clicking we’ll be alright.”
Avon Lake travels to Avon at 7 p.m., Aug. 30 for the season opener.