Down to the Wire: Avella’s Last Minute Magic Stuns Mapletown, 18-14
Tagged under: District 7, Game Photos-Videos, Gameday Hub, News
Brent Ellsworth | October 17, 2026
Greensboro, PA – This was the second meeting of this season between the Avella Eagles (5-3, 4-1) and Mapletown Maples (0-8, 0-5). That game was much more lopsided than this game, but the result was the same. Mapletown led the majority of this game, except for the final 42 seconds, as senior quarterback Chas Rush connected with freshman wide receiver Caleb Amaismeier on a 25 yard touchdown pass that put Eagles ahead for an 18-14 victory.
With 42 seconds left and From 26 yards out Avella takes the lead Amaismeier wide open from Rush.
@PaFootballNews @Chas_Rush1 @AvellaArea
Avellla 18 Mapletown 14 https://t.co/RLCagiwwsU— Brent E (@BrentWestPa) October 17, 2026
Avella dominated the first game 48-0. However, on a rainy senior night at Mapletown, the Maples were looking to do something that they haven’t done since 2023 and that is win a Tri-County South conference game. Maples senior running back Carson Vanata used his size to batter and bruise the Avella defense running over and through potential tacklers. For the game, Vanata toted the ball 23 times for 136 yards and the first touchdown of the game from eight yards out.
The Eagles had long drives in the first half, two of which ended with turnovers inside the 10 yard line, a fumble and interception by Maples sophomore Cayne Vanata. At the half, Mapletown led 8-0.
The Eagles sophomore running back Gage Samol had a very different running style, using spin moves and speed to take over the second half. Early in the third quarter, Samol had a highlight run where he looked to be stuffed in the backfield, but managed to break out of a tackle, reversed his field and out ran the Maples defense 46 yards to the endzone to get the Eagles on the board, but the conversion was no good and Mapletown took an 8-6 lead into the fourth quarter.
And Avella quickly back on the board. Samol another highlight run from about 50 yards. Conversion no good, double reverse and Mapletown defenders stay home and stop it just short.
Mapletown 14 Avella 12
5:24 remaining
@PaFootballNews @MapletownSports @AvellaArea https://t.co/Raw1Iaw61P— Brent E (@BrentWestPa) October 17, 2026
After a 29 yard quarterback keeper around the right end by the Maples freshman quarterback Tyler Dusenberry put the Maples up 14-6, Samol again took matters into his own hands. Another highlight reel touchdown where he hit a spin move and again outran the Maples defenders for 51 yard touchdown run. The Eagles tried a reverse on the conversion, but the Maples defense stood tall and stuffed it, and the score stood at 14-12 until the final 42 seconds.
Mapletown had a chance to run out the game, but a couple penalties forced them to punt the ball back to the Eagles. Amaismeier not only caught the winning touchdown catch, but also had another key reception and Rush converted a 4th and 4, as two of the bigger plays on that final drive. The final dagger for the Eagles was when Rush found Amaismeier wide open in the end zone for the 25 yard touchdown.
Mapletown still had a chance to win the game, but an interception by freshman Gavin Gatewood ended any last second heroics that the Maples could potentially muster.
For the game, Samol carried the ball 14 times for 171 yards and the two touchdowns, Rush was 6-11 for 142 yards and a touchdown and interception, and Amaismeier had 4 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown.
Avella is battling for a playoff appearance, either by an automatic bid by finishing in the top three in the conference, which most likely will come down to the last game of the season against the Frazier Commodores (4-4, 3-2) or an at large spot. Next week the Eagles will welcome the Tri-County South co-leader California Trojans (6-2, 5-0).
Mapletown will look to build on the positive momentum from this game and get into the win column next week, as they welcome the other conference co-leader and undefeated Beth Center Bulldogs (8-0, 5-0).
