by The reigning Division II state champion Avon Eagles began their 2025 season by hosting the Saint Ignatius Wildcats. It looked like they would be tested by the Wildcats at first, but 4 second half turnovers led to a 40-14 blowout victory.
Eagles quarterback Blake Elder came out firing with a 37-yard deep ball to Grant Barr on the opening drive. However, the Wildcats defense then stepped up to force a turnover on downs. The game remained scoreless until a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Quiante’ Smith late in the first quarter.
St. Ignatius tied the game up at 7 on a spectacular, leaping 22-yard touchdown grab by Trey Haddad. A big return by Jairel Fenton on the following kickoff set Avon up with great field position. Avon took the lead back with a Cam Wendell 1-yard rushing score. The Eagles took a 14-7 lead into halftime.
A strong kickoff return by Owen Colwell set the Wildcats up with good field position to begin the 3rd quarter. However, a fumbled snap on their first offensive play gave the ball away. The turnovers didn’t stop there for the Wildcats. Jakob Weatherspoon, a North Carolina commit, intercepted Wildcats quarterback Dane Donovan on their next drive. That set the Eagles up inside the 5-yard line.
Cam Wendell then scored his 2nd touchdown of the game to put the Eagles up 21-7. Another fumbled snap on the Wildcats next drive gave the Eagles the ball right back. The Eagles lead grew to 27-7 when Blake Elder found Caden Clapham for a 34 yard score. It was a strong season opener for Elder, throwing for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Avon continued to pour it on in the 4th quarter. Quiante’ Smith added his second rushing touchdown of the night to make the score 34-7. Smith led the Eagles in rushing tonight with 43 yards. Saint Ignatius finally got back into the end zone with a 46-yard catch and run by Luke Simms.
Sammy Ulery came through with another turnover for the Eagles defense, with an interception of Donovan. A second long touchdown from Elder to Clapham put the Eagles lead at 40-14.
Avon Player of the Game:
Blake Elder 12/23 PASSING 241 YDS 2 TD
St. Ignatius Player of the Game:
Luke Simms 3 REC 60 YDS 1TD
