2022 SWC Power Rankings

#3 Avon Lake

Overall record 5-1

Conference 2-1

The last two weeks this Shoremen team have been on a “Revenge Tour”. They may not be saying it out loud, but those back-to-back losses last year to Berea-Midpark and Midview, derailed incredible momentum following a Silver Rail win. This year, it has been the exact opposite as they have rebounded from a week four loss to their rival to defeat the Titans and Middies.

I know I say this every year, and if you want to send hate mail to coachvin14@yahoo.com because of it, go ahead, but this team is special. That defense had their backs up against the wall 6 times in the first half of the Avon game and only let up 2 touchdowns in 6 Eagle trips to the redzone. That is unheard of as the Eagles only came away with 14 points, and 6 trips typically means at least 4 touchdowns and 2 field goals. This was after the first three weeks of the season that only saw them allow 7 points in the first 12 quarters of the season. They also only allowed 7 points to Midview last week.

Avery Viancourt is one of the best defensive threats in the state as he takes regular residence in the opposing teams backfield. A shutdown secondary led by Keegan Rudduck, Pepe Pierden and Derek McCrum has been a no fly zone most of the season. This defense mirrors the lights out defense of 2019 and 2020 in many ways.

They have plenty of offensive threats and a lot for opposing defenses to watch out for. The growth of quarterback Jeremy Dzik is lightyears ahead of last year. This young man is healthy, and playing great. If he can continue to protect the ball, and make plays, the Shoremen are poised for another deep run in the postseason.

Their backfield is two prong with senior leader Jason Krukowski who is no stranger to playing on Friday nights, and electric and dynamic Wade Nelson. It was Nelson who had several big plays against Avon in a hard fought effort. Nelson can also burn you on special teams as well.

The backbone of this offense is Matthew Stuewe. He has a knack for getting open and sure hands to go with it. Stuewe, already has nearly 500 yards receiving in six games, along with a few touchdowns as well. His calm but positive presence on the field reminds me of a young Steve Largent. ( go ahead and google that name kids, he played for the Seahawks when they were a member of the AFC West, yes, I’m that damn old)

One thing stands between Avon Lake from finishing the year at 9-1, and that is the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs. These two have gone back and forth with each other for years, and is one rivalry I never miss. Olmsted Falls ruined Avon Lakes perfect regular season back in 2018 and then Avon Lake beat them in the opening round of the playoffs. In 2019, Avon Lake took the Bulldogs out to close the regular season in a tight battle. In 2020, Avon Lake beat them again, but then in 2021, Olmsted Falls put a running clock on the Shoremen. This is one of the most heated rivalries to happen every year that not many people speak of and should!

If Olmsted Falls can get past Avon this weekend, there is a fantastic chance that both teams enter that Week Nine matchup at 7-1.