by Cleveland, Ohio – The Avon Eagles scored a late touchdown and two-point conversion, stunning Saint Ignatius, 22-21, at Huntington Bank Field Thursday night.
Saint Ignatius won the toss and elected to receive to begin the game. They converted a fourth down to keep their drive alive, and got as close as the Avon 19 yard line. The Eagle defense stiffened up on a fourth and one and got the ball back on downs.
The Eagles would respond with a drive of their own, getting into Ignatius territory before an interception by Anthony Anghilante.
After forcing an Ignatius punt on the next drive, Avon took the lead, as junior quarterback Trevor Sykora found senior Fin Jerdonek on a 53-yard pass and catch for a touchdown. The point after was successful, giving the Eagles a 7-0 lead midway through the second quarter.
The Eagle defense forced a turnover, as junior lineman Ryan Eaton picked off a Jacob Mikin pass. After a Sykora connection to Caeden Bennett, two plays later, senior running back Michael Colburn scored from two yards out. This would up the Avon lead to 14-0 with 3:29 left in the half.
Saint Ignatius would respond as junior Billy Cole found the end zone on fourth and short with a 18 yard touchdown run. The ensuing two-point try was unsuccessful, keeping the Avon advantage at 14-6.
The Wildcats would make a stop on defense, forcing an Avon punt. They drove inside the Avon 30, looking to cut into the deficit before the half. A last second field goal attempt was blocked, keeping the score at 14-6 at the half.
After a James Conrad sack forced another Avon punt, the Ignatius offense got to work. Sophomore running back Tyler McMillon scored from 16 yards out, cutting the Wildcat deficit to 14-12. The Wildcats tied the score when Jacob Mikin found Trey Haddad for a two-point conversion.
Saint Ignatius’ defense was able to make key stops when it was needed, and came up with another interception, as Anthony Anghilante picked off a Trevor Sykora pass and returned it into Avon territory.
Tyler McMillon would score his second touchdown of the game from 16 yard out. This gave the Wildcats their first lead of the game at 21-14 with 5:38 left.
The Avon Eagles went into Thursday night’s contest with a 30-game winning streak against teams in the state of Ohio dating back to 2024. How would they respond?
Facing a fourth-and-eight with 3:13 to play at their own 40, Trevor Sykora found Jackson Palmer for a first down catch to keep the drive going. He would connect with Palmer once more to keep the Eagle offense moving down the field.
Avon would get first and goal due to a personal foul penalty. Two plays later, Michael Colburn found the end zone for a one-yard touchdown to cut the Eagles’ deficit to 21-20 with 14 seconds left.
The Eagles rolled the dice and decided to go for two. Sykora rolled out to his right and found Jackson Palmer in the right side of the end zone for the go-ahead conversion. Avon regained the lead, 22-21.
Saint Ignatius had one more chance, but could not get a final pass off, and the game was over.
If Thursday night’s game was any indication, we are in for a fun season of high school football in Northeast Ohio!
Avon hosts Pine-Richland (Pennsylvania) next Friday, August 28th.
Saint Ignatius travels to Pickerington North next Friday, August 28th.
Extended highlights below:
