by Wadsworth, OH: The Avon Eagles’ (11-1) defense forced three turnovers in their 42-21 win over the Wadsworth Grizzlies (11-1). Jordan Carter had a pick-six to get the scoring started for Avon, and senior running back Quiante’ Smith finished with 100 yards rushing and three touchdowns. For the Grizzlies, Cooper Gray ran for 74 yards on 15 carries, and Luke Maddox hauled in four catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns.
First Half
Avon received the game’s opening kickoff and was forced into a quick three-and-out. On the Grizzlies’ second play of the game, Jordan Carter leaped in front of a Brysen Hall pass and took it over 50 yards to the house, giving Avon an early 7-0 lead.
Wadsworth found success on their second drive, moving into Eagles’ territory in just one play. Facing a third and nine deep in Avon territory, Hall connected with Maddox for a 21-yard touchdown, tying the score at 7-7. The Eagles went three-and-out again, while the Grizzlies drove back into Avon territory before the drive stalled out.
Starting on their 32 with just over a minute and a half remaining in the first, Avon got a big play from backup quarterback Trevor Maly on an 18-yard carry. Another big run, 22 yards, by Fin Jerdonek moved the ball inside the redzone. On first and goal, Cam Wendell plowed in from a yard out to give Avon the lead at 14-7.
After forcing a turnover on downs, Avon began their next drive near midfield. A 22-yard completion from Blake Elder to Jerdonek moved the ball deep into Wadsworth territory. Another completion from Elder to Caeden Bennett moved the ball inside the five. On the next play, Quiante’ Smith plowed in from three yards out to extend the lead to 21-7.
The Eagles’ defense came up big on the next drive, forcing a three-and-out and giving their offense the ball in Wadsworth territory. On the fourth play of the possession, Smith broke free of tacklers and hit a stiff arm en route to a 24-yard touchdown. After the extra point sailed through the uprights, Avon led 28-7.
With their backs against the wall, the Wadsworth offense found a groove when they needed it most. A defensive pass interference on third down kept the drive alive. Two plays later, Hall and Maddox connected again, this time for a 16-yard touchdown, drawing Wadsworth closer at 28-14. The Eagles’ offense took the field but ran out of time, heading into the break with a two-score lead.
Second Half
The Grizzlies received the second half kickoff, and moved the ball into Avon territory. Facing fourth down, Ryan Stolarski picked off Hall to end the threat. The Eagles’ would then drive themselves into Wadsworth territory, before the possession stalled on fourth down.
Late in the third quarter, Avon took over on their 24-yard line. Working methodically, the Eagles covered 76 yards in just nine plays. On second and goal, Maly kept the read-option for a two-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 35-14.
On the extra point attempt, Wadsworth was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Kicking off from the Wadsworth 45, Avon decided to attempt an onside kick. That decision proved costly as Jude Haller scooper up the kick and took it to the house, bringing the Grizzlies closer at 35-21 with just under nine minutes remaining.
Wadsworth attempted their own onside kick, but Avon recovered at their own 46. Another big completion from Elder to Jerdonek picked up 29 yards. It took five more plays before Smith scored his third touchdown of the game, extending the Avon lead to 42-21.
A scary moment happened on the ensuing kickoff, as a Wadsworth player suffered an apparent leg injury and fumbling the ball. The intensity of the contest screeched to a halt, as players from both teams visited the injured Grizzly as he was carted off the field.
Despite starting on the Wadsworth 21, the Avon offense turned it over on downs. With just over two minutes remaining, Wadsworth would drive into Eagles’ territory. However, the Grizzlies ran out of time before they found the endzone. When the final whistle sounded, Avon came away with a 42-21 victory.
Keys to the Game
Turnovers can be costly and three giveaways doomed the Grizzlies, including a huge pick-six by Jordan Carter to start the scoring. Conversely, Avon did not turn the ball over once and was able to dictate the flow of the game.
When it came to the trenches, Avon proved too big for Wadsworth, giving their own QB time to read the defense while constantly applying pressure to their opponent.
Next Week
Defending Division II Champion Avon looks to keep their repeat hopes alive next week when they take on top seeded Highland (12-0) in the Region 6 Championship. The Hornets advanced to the regional title game with a 48-0 shutout of North Ridgeville. The location of the game has yet to be determined by the OHSAA at the time of publishing.
Top Performers
Avon Eagles
Quiante’ Smith: 18 carries 100 yards 3 TD
Fin Jerdonek: 5 catches 84 yards
Blake Elder: 7-14 107 yards
Trevor Maly: 4 carries 59 yards TD
Wadsworth Grizzlies
Brysen Hall: 21-34 192 yards 2 TD 2 INT
Cooper Gray: 15 carries 74 yards
Luke Maddox: 4 catches 74 yards 2 TD
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Avon 10:02- Jordan Carter interception return touchdown (kick good)
Wadsworth 7:35- Brysen Hall to Luke Maddox, 21 yards (kick good)
2nd Quarter
Avon 10:10- Cam Wendell, 2-yard run (kick good)
Avon 5:36- Quiante’ Smith, 3-yard run (kick good)
Avon 3:11- Quiante’ Smith, 24-yard run (kick good)
Wadsworth 0:33- Brysen Hall to Luke Maddox, 16 yards (kick good)
4th Quarter
Avon 9:02- Trevor Maly, 2-yard run (kick good)
Wadsworth 8:54- Jude Haller kick return touchdown (kick good)
Avon 5:09- Quiante’ Smith, 1-yard run (kick good)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | FINAL | |
| Avon | 7 | 21 | 0 | 14 | 42 |
| Wadsworth | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
Photos courtesy of Ben Nichols (@WayneCountySports)
