Avon Football Heads to State

Nolan Good hoists the hardware as the Eagles celebrate with their fans.

With a 28-14 win over Medina Highland at Strongsville High last Friday night, the Avon Eagles captured their 6th Div. II region 6 title in the past seven years.

The win puts the Eagles on track for another showdown with Akron Hoban in the Div. II state semifinals at Byers Field in Parma this Friday night.

The win over a very tough Highland team was one to remember for coach Mike Elder and his squad.

: Jakorian Caffey (2) rushed for 112 yards and scored 3 touchdowns again Highland.

: Matt Maxey (8) makes the catch of the night. He ended with 9 receptions for 133 yards.

: Jason Gillespie (63) pressures the Highland quarterback.

: Jeremiah Kelly (73) made life tough for the Highland offense.

“We have so much to be thankful for, men. We are beyond blessed!” said Elder in the team huddle after the game.

The team is now 14-0 this season. “14 wins, that’s a school record,” said Elder. The team has also won 8 straight Southwestern Conference championships.

“We’re breathing special air right now,” he said of the Regional title. “Not many people get to do this and a lot of people don’t understand it – the work it takes to get to the state final four is incredible…”

Now, it’s on to state.

“We get to practice on Thanksgiving,” added the coach. “We get another shot at Hoban, which we’re going to embrace. But our ultimate goal is Nov. 30 (the date of the state finals). We’re not going to shy away from those goals. This is hard to do. But they’ve done it again,” he said of the team. “I am so proud of them!”

Avon’s 14-0 record this season includes wins over Canton McKinley and Glenville.

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