Avon Eagles Dominate Walsh Jesuit, Advance to State Championship

In a commanding performance, the Avon Eagles defeated Walsh Jesuit 38-7 in the Division II state semifinal held at the University of Akron on November 29, 2024. The Eagles’ defense, which has been a crucial factor throughout the season, demonstrated its strength by allowing no touchdowns after conceding an early score on the opening kickoff.

Avon’s defense has been a force to be reckoned with, allowing an average of just 12 points per game. The Eagles recorded three shutouts during the regular season and limited teams like Wadsworth, Medina Highland, and Walsh to their lowest scoring outputs of the season. Avon linebacker Ryan Stolarski emphasized the team’s energy, stating, “When we hop out on the field, we are already ready to go hit somebody. We know how to pursue the ball, and we are locked in mentally.”

Defensive Mastery and Key Plays

The Eagles’ defensive strategy was evident as they forced Walsh Jesuit to attempt four downs aggressively, yet only achieved one conversion in the second half. Coach Mike Elder praised the team’s ability to perform under pressure during these critical moments, commenting, “I think our defense played really well on those money downs specifically, and that is big when we can win those.”

Avon excelled not only in stopping points but also in creating game-changing opportunities. The team recorded three sacks and intercepted Walsh quarterback David Terosky three times, including a notable 98-yard touchdown return by cornerback Caden Clapham. Clapham credited his success to the coaching staff and teamwork, noting that their focus on “tackling, assignment, pursuit and getting that ball out” has been key to their performance.

This match marked the third consecutive week that Avon either scored a touchdown via defense or special teams. The previous week, Jairel Fenton returned an interception for a touchdown, and Lance Dawson blocked a field goal attempt that resulted in another score for the Eagles.

Looking Ahead to the Championship

Avon will face Cincinnati Anderson in the Division II state championship on December 4, 2024, at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. This matchup is a rematch of last year’s final, where Avon emerged victorious with a score of 20-13. Anderson, boasting an impressive record of 726 points this season, poses a significant challenge for the Eagles.

Clapham expressed eagerness for the upcoming game, stating, “It is going to be a great game. I would love to get after those guys again. It is going to be a dogfight for sure.” As Avon prepares for this pivotal clash, Elder is optimistic about his team’s prospects, hoping they can further improve before taking the field. “Maybe we got one more week to get better, because we are going to need it, with the opponent that we are playing,” he remarked.

The Avon Eagles, with a record of 13-1, are set to compete against Anderson, which remains unbeaten at 14-0. The championship game is expected to be broadcast on Spectrum News 1 and local radio stations, including WOBL-FM 107.7 and AM 1320.