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Olmsted Falls Bulldogs vs. the Avon Eagles. Two of the most efficient offenses in Division II squared off in one of the biggest matchups of the year and it did not disappoint.
Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet Stadium was home to a raucous Eagles crowd as they looked to help the purple and gold nab their third straight victory. It was a tall order as they went up against one of their toughest Southwestern Conference rivals who came into this heavy weight matchup winning four straight.
Senior quarterback for the Bulldogs, Charlie Ciolek got the party started. He drove his unit into the endzone in a hurry only taking 2:04 off the clock. He would zip a tight spiral to junior Michael Candow for a 35 yard touchdown to give the visiting Bulldogs the early advantage. It was a great opening statement, but Avon, who is averaging nearly 39 points per game, would answer right back.
An effective blend of running and passing was the recipe for success on this possession. Sophomore and rising star running back Jakorian Caffey would punch it from 3 yards out.
Tom DeLuca’s team would take another chunk out of the Eagles defense on the ensuing drive. The hookup between Ciolek and Candow was truly special to watch tonight. He found Candow running along the right side line toward the pylon. The throw was a little behind him, but that made the catch even more spectacular as he made the 33 yard grab.
The play would be slightly neutralized as the extra point was missed and the blue and gold would only be up 13-7.
After a second touchdown run by Caffey, the visitors would take over heading into the second quarter. Tail back Rocco Conti, who has had a monstrous season, would bust right up the middle of the field for huge gain but it was called back due to a holding call. It did not seem to faze them, however. Candow would grab a third touchdown on the evening, this time from 23 yards out.
Conti would cap off the drive with a two point conversion to go up 21-14.
While one offense was dominating with the aerial attack, the other was pounding the ball on the ground. If Avon needed someone to look to it would be Caffey again and again. He punished the defense all night. It almost felt like Derrick Henry was running the ball every time 28 had it in his hands.
Caffey would rumble his way for 17 yards to the house and knot this game up.
At this point both teams were a combined 6/6 with no punts, and we are still in the first half! It seemed like a bend but don’t break mentality was going to be the focus on defense.
With the ball back into the hands of Olmsted, the Eagles needed to make a stand. However, the offside penalties and a costly defensive holding call dug a deeper hole for them.
Olmsted Falls appeared to have the momentum swing in their favor. They were threatening to score right before the half. But, the great crowd and the “Let’s go Eagles!” chants encouraged the defense to step up and sack Ciolek on 4 & 7.
While the first two quarters were all about scoring, the majority of the third quarter showcased stingy defense.
Eventually the Bulldogs would get it going again as Ciolek and the offense hooked up with an eventual touchdown to Luke Dieckman. Conti would increase the lead to eight with a second two point attempt.
With things moving in favor of the visitors, Avon needed to find an answer. That answer was none other than Caffey.
Anytime the Eagles needed a first down, 28 answered the bell.
The physical gifts he has are truly remarkable and they were on fully display. He carried numerous defenders with him to the endzone for a nine yard run.
Like I mentioned before, the defense was very shaky in the first half. Numerous offside penalties kept the Bulldogs alive on certain drives but, they really shined bright when they needed to and got off the field. A huge sack on third down forced a punt with about 7 minutes remaining and that led to more points for the home team.
Ehrhardt kept the aggressive running going as he pinballed off of defenders for six points to give the lead back to Avon.
With the score at 35-29, Olmsted Fall’s backs were against the wall. Ciolek would drop back to throw with roughly 5:30 left to play. He scanned the field and released the football over the middle. It would be tipped up in the air and safety Matt Fischer would come up with the play of the game with the interception!
The fans went ballistic as that would be the fatal blow to the Bulldog’s chance at coming away with a huge victory in a hostile environment.
Caffey would handle the game sealing drive for nearly three straight minutes as he added the finishing touches on his memorable performance. A seven yard scamper would put it away.
The sophomore was the difference maker in this one. He finished with 23 carries, 181 yards and four touchdowns. He took over the fourth quarter and it was something to behold.
Gavin Ehrhardt was a great second option as he went for 8 rushes, 75 yards and two touchdowns.
Besides the crucial interception, Ciolek had a solid game tossing for 155 yards and three touchdowns. He also chipped in 16 carries for 100 yards.
Michael Candow played well too, hauling in 5 catches for 118 yards and the three TDs.
Rocco Conti had a solid performance with 11 rushes for 96 yards and a pair of two point conversions.
Avon, now 5-2, heads into next week’s contest with plenty of confidence. They will travel to take on the Berea-Midpark Titans.
Olmsted Falls loses its first game in 4 weeks in heart breaking fashion. They also sit at 5-2, but look to rebound against Amherst Steele as they go on the road for a second straight contest.
working in avon for the past 10 years has made me a pocket fan! Go Eagles! GREAT ARTICLE