Eagles Soar: Avon Tops Highland In Third Straight Regional Final

Brunswick, OH: For the eighth time in the last nine seasons, the Avon Eagles (12-1) are Regional Champions after a 36-19 win over Highland (12-1), their third straight over the Hornets. Lance Dawson wreaked havoc defensively for Avon, blocking an extra point and a field goal attempt that was returned for a touchdown. Offensively, Quiante’ Smith led the way with 174 yards and two scores. For Highland, Casey Myser finished with 105 yards rushing and two touchdowns (one rush, one catch).

First Half

Following a quick three-and-out by Highland, Avon began their first possession at their 25. Blake Elder connected with Grant Barr, who made a one handed catch, for a 44-yard completion to move the ball inside the five. On fourth and goal, Elder took the quarterback keeper one-yard for a score, putting the Eagles up 7-0 early.

The Hornets began their second drive on their 32-yard line. A third down completion from Grady Gibb to Lucas Gerding picked up 27 yards to keep the drive alive. The two would connect again a few plays later, this time for 25 yards to move the ball inside the ten. Two plays later, Gibb plunged in from a yard out for the Highland touchdown. Unfortunately for the Hornets, Lance Dawson burst through the line to block the extra point, keeping Avon in front 7-6.

After the ensuing kickoff sailed through the end zone, Avon took over on their own 20-yard line. Staring at a three-and-out, Elder connected with Fin Jerdonek for 12 yards and a first down. Backup quarterback Trevor Maly picked up eight yards on a scramble to move the ball to the ten-yard line. Two plays later, Quiante’ Smith took the handoff for a four-yard touchdown, his first of the game that gave Avon a 14-6 lead early in the second.

Neither side could get anything going on the next couple of drives, forcing punts by both teams. With just under five minutes remaining in the half, Avon took over on their 38-yard line. Elder completed a pair of passes to move the ball across midfield. After Cam Wendell was stopped on the one, he was able to plow in from a yard out on the next play, extending the lead to 21-6.

With under a minute remaining in the half, it appeared as if Highland was content going into the break as the first two plays were runs. A completion from Gibb to Gerding moved the ball across the 50, gibing the Hornets one last play before the half. Gibb took the snap and hurled the ball towards the end zone. As bodies clashed trying to reach the ball, Casey Myser came down with it for a 44-yard touchdown. Highland went for two but was stopped, trotting into the locker room facing a 21-12 deficit.

Second Half

Holding onto a two-score lead, Avon began the second half with the ball. While the Eagles have shown quick strike ability all season long, they ran the ball and drained the clock on their opening possession. Consistent carries by Smith and Wendell moved the ball across midfield. Facing a fourth down near field goal range, Elder completed a pass to Caden Clapham kept the drive alive. On second down from the two-yard line, Smith took it in for his second touchdown of the game. Instead of kicking the extra point, Elder completed a jump pass to Dylan Luker for two, extending the Eagles’ lead to 29-12.

After Avon ran six minutes off the clock, both sides committed turnovers on downs on their next possessions. With 52 seconds remaining in the third, Highland took over on their own 37. Gibb and Gerding connected again on first down, picking up six yards. The next play, Casey Myser took the handoff and exploded downfield, leaving defenders in his wake on a 57-yard touchdown run. After the extra point sailed through the uprights, the Hornets trailed 29-19.

Midway through the fourth, the Hornets worked the ball to the edge of the Avon redzone. The offense stalled and Highland decided to attempt a 41-yard field goal. But once again Lance Dawson had other plans, bursting through the line to block the kick. As the ball bounced, it was picked up by Nathan Peters who took it the distance for a touchdown.

Trailing 36-19 with time running out, Highland began their next possession on the Avon 49. The Hornets would break into the redzone but stalled out once again, giving the ball back to the Eagles. Avon did what they did all game long, pounding the ball on the ground and killing the last three minutes of game time. When the final whistle sounded, the Avon Eagles came away with a 36-19 victory, advancing to the state semifinals.

Keys to the Game

For the second straight week, Avon dominated the line of scrimmage. Offensively, the line created holes for a small, quick back like Quiante’ Smith to roll through. On defense, Lance Dawson lived in the backfield, blowing up plays and coming through with two blocked kicks.

The Eagles are hitting their peak at the perfect moment. Their experience and skill are going to be a lot for any team to handle, especially as the temperatures get colder. Avon had their taste of a State Championship last season and are hungry for more.

Next Week

Avon advances to the Division II State Semifinals where they will square off with Walsh Jesuit (11-1). The Warriors advanced to the semifinals with a 35-7 blowout victory over Hoban. The site of the game has yet to be determined, as of publishing.

Top Performers

Avon Eagles

Blake Elder: 11-14 124 yards TD(rushing)

Quiante’ Smith: 23 carries 174 yards 2 TD

Lance Dawson: Blocked XP & FG

Highland Hornets

Grady Gibb: 7-12 168 yards TD   17 carries 39 yards TD

Casey Myser: 10 carries 105 yards TD   1 catch 44 yards TD

Lucas Gerding: 5 catches 86 yards

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Avon 6:51- Blake Elder, 4-yard run (kick good)

Highland 4:01- Grady Gibb, 1-yard run (kick blocked)

2nd Quarter

Avon 11:18- Quiante’ Smith, 4-yard run (kick good)

Avon 0:49- Cam Wendell, 1-yard run (kick good)

Highland 0:00- Grady Gibb to Casey Myser, 44 yards (2pt no good)

3rd Quarter

Avon 5:36- Quiante’ Smith, 2-yard run (2pt conversion good)

Highland 0:11- Casey Myser, 57-yard run (kick good)

4th Quarter

Avon 6:29- Lance Dawson blocked kick, Nathan Peters 65-yard return (kick good)