by DEAR OLMSTED FALLS AND AVON, there is a book spotlighting the amazing culture of both of your town’s and the passion you have for high school football. Why not come out next Saturday to OLA and meet me, grab a copy of the book and talk for a minute or two. This book would be a perfect gift for anyone in your family that enjoys high school football, not too mention again, it spotlights your student athletes. Please make a few minutes to come see me next Saturday at OLA. I would be so appreciative. Thank you!
:VINCE MCKEE :
Olmsted Falls – The defending Division II state champion Avon Eagles defeated the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs by a final score of 49-0 to advance to the regional final in Division II, Region 6.
One-play scoring drives were a theme for the Eagles on the night, as four of their touchdowns came on the first play of their respective drives.
After forcing Olmsted Falls into a quick three-and-out to begin the game, that trend started when running back Michael Colburn ran seemingly untouched for 63 yards to give the Eagles an early 7-0 lead.
The next four combined possessions saw the defenses, with some help from the cold rain, force punts as neither offense found success. The first quarter ended with Avon leading 7-0.
Following Olmsted Falls’ fourth punt of the game, the Eagles’ offense started to find success. Colburn was joined on the ground by fellow running back Jariel Fenton, providing a dual-threat rushing attack. Fenton capped off the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to extend Avon’s lead to 14-0.
Olmsted Falls got the ball back, undeterred by the deficit. Quarterback Cameron Pesch found success through the air, completing six of his eight passes on the drive, including a big 26-yard pass to his favorite target from a week ago, tight end Mason Cerovec. Unfortunately for Pesch and the Bulldogs, the drive fizzled out at the Avon 12-yard line with a turnover on downs.
Following that turnover on downs, the Eagles faced fourth-and-2 from their own 20-yard line. Avon gave the ball to Colburn, who ran like he was shot out of a cannon, breaking free for an 80-yard touchdown to extend the Eagles’ lead to 21-0.
Avon got the ball once more in the first half and wasted no time. On the first play of the drive, quarterback Trevor Sykora connected with wide receiver Fin Jerdonek on a 58-yard touchdown pass to extend Avon’s lead to 28-0.
The Bulldogs, with little time remaining in the half, tried to build some momentum before halftime but were unable to do so as Avon took a 28-0 lead into the locker room.
In the second half, the Eagles scored their next two touchdowns on one-play drives. Colburn, who finished with an incredible eight carries for 246 yards and three touchdowns, broke free for another long touchdown run, this time from 72 yards out to make it 35-0. Then, Sykora found Jerdonek again, this time for a 50-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 42-0.
The Eagles added one final score late in the game when running back Luke Pavey ran the ball in from 3 yards out to make the final score 49-0.
With the win, the Avon Eagles advance to the regional final of Division II, Region 6, where they will meet a familiar opponent in Toledo Central Catholic.
With the loss, the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs bow out of the playoffs with a respectable 9-3 record, with two of their losses coming at the hands of the Avon Eagles. The Bulldogs were a great team and a lot of fun for many people to watch this season.
Player of the Game – Avon’s Michael Colburn: Colburn needed just eight carries to rush for 246 yards and three touchdowns. If the Eagles want to make the state final four, they will need Colburn to be ready to run hard again.
