Lyons Senior Kicker Ryland Avants Seals Win with Game-Winning Field Goal
In a thrilling Class 8A matchup against York, senior kicker Ryland Avants kicked the game-winner with just seconds left on the clock, securing a 24-21 victory for Lyons. The senior's third field goal of the game, a 31-yarder as time expired, proved to be the difference maker in the high-stakes contest.
Avants' clutch performance was expected by his coaches and teammates, who were confident in his abilities despite playing a non-traditional sport. "He's got a really, really strong leg," Lyons coach Jon Beutjer said. The senior had also been kicking for football teams during soccer practice, with Labbato allowing the players to participate.
York coach Don Gelsomino acknowledged Avants' skills, stating that he was "incredible" and would go on to achieve great things. However, his team's inability to contain him proved costly. York took an early lead but Lyons staged a comeback, led by quarterback Jack Slightom who passed for 153 yards and a touchdown.
As the game entered its final minutes, it became clear that Avants was going to be the difference-maker. Despite York attempting to ice him with a timeout before his game-winner, the senior remained composed under pressure. "Not really," he replied when asked if he felt nervous. "I'm used to that kind of stuff when it comes to playing soccer and taking penalty kicks. So I'm able to keep my composure in those moments."
Avants' teammates were also optimistic about his abilities, with Anthony Pearson expressing confidence in him since their youth team days. Lyons will now face Fremd (9-1) next week in the second round of the Class 8A tournament.
In a thrilling Class 8A matchup against York, senior kicker Ryland Avants kicked the game-winner with just seconds left on the clock, securing a 24-21 victory for Lyons. The senior's third field goal of the game, a 31-yarder as time expired, proved to be the difference maker in the high-stakes contest.
Avants' clutch performance was expected by his coaches and teammates, who were confident in his abilities despite playing a non-traditional sport. "He's got a really, really strong leg," Lyons coach Jon Beutjer said. The senior had also been kicking for football teams during soccer practice, with Labbato allowing the players to participate.
York coach Don Gelsomino acknowledged Avants' skills, stating that he was "incredible" and would go on to achieve great things. However, his team's inability to contain him proved costly. York took an early lead but Lyons staged a comeback, led by quarterback Jack Slightom who passed for 153 yards and a touchdown.
As the game entered its final minutes, it became clear that Avants was going to be the difference-maker. Despite York attempting to ice him with a timeout before his game-winner, the senior remained composed under pressure. "Not really," he replied when asked if he felt nervous. "I'm used to that kind of stuff when it comes to playing soccer and taking penalty kicks. So I'm able to keep my composure in those moments."
Avants' teammates were also optimistic about his abilities, with Anthony Pearson expressing confidence in him since their youth team days. Lyons will now face Fremd (9-1) next week in the second round of the Class 8A tournament.
! I mean, kicking for football teams during soccer practice? Genius move by his coaches to make him an asset to both sports 
. The fact that he's so calm under pressure is just impressive – like, who wouldn't be nervous with the whole crowd watching? His teammates seem super confident in him too, which bodes well for their chances against Fremd next week 
. This kid's got a bright future ahead of him! 
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I was on the edge of my seat when Ryland Avants nailed that 31-yard field goal at the end! it's crazy how he's kicking for football teams during soccer practice too, like who needs soccer when you've got a leg like that 
. can't wait to see what Fremd's got in store for them next week!
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