by The North Ridgeville Rangers looked to stay unbeaten as they played host to the reigning state champion Avon Eagles. However, it was the Eagles who were dominant all night long. Behind 5 touchdown passes from Blake Elder, the Eagles rolled to a 55-7 victory.
A great punt return by Fin Jerdonek set the Eagles up to get on the board early. Two plays later, they did just that. Quarterback Blake Elder delivered a 24-yard dime to Sammy Ulery in the back of the end zone to put the Eagles up 7-0.
The Rangers responded with a long touchdown drive, capped off by a 5-yard scoring grab by Dylan DeShazo. It did not take long for Avon to take the lead back. The very next play, Jerdonek broke free for a 71-yard catch and run for an Eagles touchdown.
Avon’s defense then came through with the first takeaway of the night. A forced fumble on North Ridgeville QB Cole Miller gave the Eagles the ball with great field position. The Eagles capitalized with a 36-yard touchdown strike from Elder to Ulery. It was Elder’s 3rd touchdown pass of the first half.
Ben Strichek extended Avon’s lead to 28-7 when he intercepted Cole Miller and took it back all the way for a score. In just over 5 minutes of game time, it went from tied up to a 3-touchdown lead for Avon. The Eagles had a chance for more points just before halftime, but Elder was picked off by Brian Strippy at the 5-yard line.
Elder and the Eagles continued to roll in the second half. Grant Barr hauled in a 14-yard pass from Elder to make it a 35-7 game. Turnovers also continued to plague the Rangers offense. Miller was intercepted by Jairel Fenton on their first offensive play of the 3rd quarter.
Avon’s lead grew to 42-7 on Elder’s 5th passing touchdown of the night. It was Barr on the receiving end again, this time on a 38-yard deep ball. After that, Avon went to their backups. Trevor Maly came in at quarterback and instantly found the end zone on the ground.
In the 4th quarter, the Eagles defense got yet another takeaway. This time it was courtesy of Ben Shaffner, who recovered a fumbled snap by the Rangers. Isaac Gutierrez then added another touchdown to put the Eagles up 55-7.
Avon Player of the Game:
QB Blake Elder 8/13 passing, 184 yards, 5 TD
North Ridgeville Player of the Game:
WR Cole Allison 5 catches, 58 yards
