Avon Gridders Race to 3-0 Start

The Avon High football team couldn’t ask for a better start to the 2017 season. The Eagles have opened the season, racing to a 3-0 record like they have been shot from a cannon.

The season began with an exciting trip to Florida, where they beat Merritt Island, 20-16, in an instant classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.. It was a trip long in the making for the Eagles, funded by things like a spring team and community garage sale. Avon scored the winning TD with just 27 seconds left in the fourth quarter, launching the 2017 season into orbit. Quarterback Ryan Malloy connected with Chris Mullins for the game-winner.

The next week, Avon visited Olmsted Falls in an SWC tilt on Sept. 1. Avon was on a momentum roll after the Florida trip and posted a 31-7 victory at Falls. The drama started early when tight end Vlasi Pappas made a spectacular all-world one-handed 31-yard scoring grab from Maloy to give Avon a 7-0 lead. The catch was so remarkable that it made the week’s ESPN highlight reel!

Then, last week, it was time to settle some old business against Avon Lake. Avon’s excellent 10-0 2016 campaign last year came to a bitter end the first round of the playoffs. The loss turned into a cause for 2017 as Avon exploded in a 31-6 blowout that not only pushed the Eagles to 3-0 this season but also reclaimed the Silver Rail Trophy that signifies the neighboring rivalry.

The early success has not gone unnoticed statewide. Avon is ranked second in the state in Div. II, trailing only Cincinnati Elder. Up next for the Eagles – North Olmsted this Friday.

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