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| The Avon Eagles prepare to take photos before the trophy presentation after winning the OHSAA Division II State Championship over Anderson for a consecutive year. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
CANTON, Ohio - Avon wins the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division II State Championship after defeating Cincinnati Anderson for a consecutive year, 37-20.
Avon's high-powered offense continued into the state title game behind the arm of Blake Elder.
In the first quarter, Avon's first possession ended in a four-and-out, giving possession to Anderson at the 9:12 mark. After a couple of plays, Anderson would direct snap the ball to Nick Rosiello, only for it to go over his head and result in a 23-yard loss and a turnover on downs.
"Obviously, early on we were able to capitalize on a mistake from Cincinnati Anderson that was big to get us off to the fast start we was on," said Mike Elder.
Avon would capitalize on taking the ball at the Anderson 17-yard line, and after a couple of plays, Elder would find Fin Jerdonik up the middle for a 15-yard score and a successful PAT to go up 7-0 with 7:16 left.
They would score again at the 2:39 mark of the quarter when Elder would find Caden Clapham for 22 yards and a 14-0 lead.
Avon's air attack would not let up, as their defense would hold Anderson for negative rushing yardage and another four-and-out during the second quarter.
Blake Elder successfully found his third receiver of the half, linking up with Caeden Bennet for a 7-yard pass up the middle, extending the lead 21-0.
After a couple more four-and-outs, Anderson would get on the board after a 6-play drive and punch it in from the 1-yard line off the legs of quarterback Owen Scalf to put the first points on the board and trail 21-7.
But Avon's offense would see the enzone again as he would find his fourth receiver, Grant Barr, for a 37-yard touchdown to increase the lead 27-7 and end the half. Elder would throw for 179 yards for the half.
"It's so special, but once again I couldn't do any of this without the people beside me," Elder said in a press conference. "I just can't believe it yet."
Anderson would have a better second half. In their opening drive, they would put together a 9-play sequence to close the gap 13-27 after a failed PAT when Scalf found Brayden Moore up the right seam with 9:23 left.
Avon's last touchdown would finally come on the ground as Quiante' Smith would rush for a 6-yard touchdown after a 6-play drive, again driving the score up 34-13.
The Raptors would score early in the fourth quarter after a false start penalty. Scalf would find Tysin Weaver for a 7-yard touchdown reception, again trailing 34-20.
As Anderson would get a couple more chances to score, they still chose to try and convert on fourth down plays and come up empty. Avon would kick a field goal from Jensen Petro to add the final points and cap off a repeat championship win over Anderson.
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