State Bound! Avon’s Eagles Soar into Football Finals

The Avon High football team celebrates their Regional Championship in front of the student sec-tion after Friday’s win over Olmsted Falls.

Football practice on Thanksgiving means one thing – a great season!

For the 13-0 Avon High Eagles, the 2017 football season is going into the books as one of the greatest ever.

Avon is headed to the state semifinals for the third time in school history this weekend.

The Eagles captured a Div. II Regional Championship with a 55-14 pounding of SWC rival Olmsted Falls at North Ridgeville’s UH St. John Medical Center Field last Friday night. It was Avon’s second win over Falls this season after beating the 11-2 Bulldogs 31-7 in September.

Avon now faces 12-1 Archbishop Hoban of Akron this Friday at Brunswick Auto Mart Stadium. Hoban, twice a state champ, lost only to St. Ignatius this season, 17-3. But Avon ended the regular season as Ohio’s Number One Div. II team in AP polls. Hoban was ranked 5th. Both teams enter state competition as the top seeds from their regions.

Winner will go to the state championship game and meet the victor of Friday’s Massillon Washington (10-3) vs. Cincinnati Winton Woods (12-1) at Columbus St. Francis DeSales Alumni Stadium.

An emotional Coach Mike Elder is presented the Div. II Regional Championship trophy by Eagle team members Alex Waters (37) and Kyle Kudla (40).

One for Coach

Last week was especially significant for Avon Coach Mike Elder, his family and the team. Coach Elder lost his father earlier in the week, and the team was on a mission as they entered the game.

“Players, you don’t know how much this meant to my family,” said Coach Elder to his team after the game. “It was an emotional week and I know that you guys had my back. I could tell before we came out to the field that you had that energy level about you. I love every single one of you!

“My mom and dad were married 55 years,” added the coach as the team erupted in cheers. “I know you had my back.”

The Avon Eagles celebrates as Athletic Director Erich Frombach presents the Regional Champi-onship trophy.

Team is Family in Avon

Yes, team is family in Avon, and so is the American Flag. The Avon High football team is not afraid to take a knee after each and every game. And Coach Elder was the first after Friday’s win over Olmsted Falls to encourage gratitude. “Let’s all think about those we love and those who are most important to us,” said Elder at the conclusion of the Regional Championship celebration. “So let’s take a knee and think about them.” Amen!

This year’s Regional title was the third in Avon football history. The Eagles advanced to state in 1996 and 2011. They fell in the D. V semifinals in 1996 and were the Div. II runner-up in 2011.

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The Avon Eagles, 2017 Div. II Regional Champs!

: “I know you guys had my back,” said Coach Elder after the game. “You don’t know how much this meant to my family.”

: Alex Waters recovers a Falls fumble as teammates celebrate in the first half to stop a Bulldog possession short.

: Nick Perusek on his way to a first half TD. Perusek rushed for 50 yards rushing and added a pair of TDS in the victory.

: David Orlando races past a Falls defender en route to an Avon touchdown. Orlando had six catches for 88 yards and a TD.

: Kyle Kudla (40) led the Avon defense in throttling Olmsted Falls Friday.

: Ryan Maloy races past the Olmsted Falls defense on his 80 yard TD run to open the second half against Falls. The junior quarterback posted 174 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the game and also went 9-16 passing for 145 yards and a TD.

: “I know you guys had my back,” said Coach Elder after the game. “You don’t know how much this meant to my family.”

: Two-way star Mark Steinmetz rushed for 108 yards on offense and spearheaded a stingy Eagle defense that limited Falls to less than 200 yards in total offense. Avon’s 55-14 win over Olmsted Falls Friday was the second of the year over Olmsted Falls. Avon beat the Bulldogs, 31-7, on Sept. 1. Falls had just two defeats all year.