The Blitz 5 Game of the Week hones in on a rematch of last season’s OHSAA Division II state championship game. Avon eked past Anderson 20-13 on that snowy and blustery night. Now the Raptors are looking for payback while the Eagles are on a quest for back-to-back titles for the first time in school history.
ANDERSON RAPTORS (14-0) vs. AVON EAGLES (13-1)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., December 4th, 2025
Where: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
Follow on X: @TSFootball
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Anderson quarterback Owen Scalf has been sensational in his first year as a starter. The junior has completed 72.5% of his passes for 4,584 yards and 39 touchdowns. He also has 640 yards and seven touchdowns rushing. The Raptors have four receivers with at least 71 receptions, all are Scalf’s classmates. Cooper Kathman has 83 catches for 1,044 and seven touchdowns, Tyson Weaver has 80 receptions for 1,250 yards and 19 scores, Teagan Jallick has 72 receptions for 832 yards and six touchdowns, Jordan Davis has caught 71 balls for 716 yards and four touchdowns. Davis also has 671 yards and 21 touchdowns rushing.
The Anderson defense is led by senior Brady Kuhn, an Air Force commit. Kuhn has recorded 118 tackles, 9.0 sacks and 26.5 tackles for losses. He was named the 2025 OPSMA Southwest District Player of the Year. Five Raptors have at least two interceptions – Ke’Maury Tye (3), Jerod Lindsey (3), Antwoine Higgins (2), Ace Alston (2) and Mark Madden (2). Tye and Madden have each returned three punts for touchdowns.
On offense, Avon is led by quarterback Blake Elder. The senior has thrown for 2,823 yards and 31 touchdowns. Grant Barr has 2,089 yards and 25 touchdowns receiving in his career. Senior Max Hauck (6-4/300) anchors both sides of the line for the Eagles. Classmate Eian Englehart also holds down the fort in the trenches. On defense, the front seven with Hauck, lineman Lance Dawson and linebacker Ryan Stolarski have caused havoc all season long. They have created tons of opportunities for a secondary paced by Jakob Weatherspoon, a North Carolina commit and Caden Clapham. Weatherspoon had 10 tackles and was a beast in last year’s title game.
TEAM TRENDS: Anderson averages 44.3 points per game. The Raptors scored 49 points or more seven times in the first eight weeks of the season but haven’t put up more than 42 over their last six outings. The defense has allowed just 13.6 points per contest. The Raptors have punted nine times on the season. They have returned six punts for scores.
Avon has been a powerhouse under Mike Elder. The Eagles have won at least 10 games in each of the last 16 years under his guidance. The program has won regional titles eight times in the last nine years. This is their third appearance in the state championship. The Avon offense averages 40.4 points per game. They have scored more than that on eight occasions. The Eagles defense gives up just 12.0 points per contest.
HEAD COACHES:
Anderson: Evan Dreyer (99-28 at Anderson, 10th year; 143-55 overall, 17th year)
Avon: Mike Elder (215-32 at Avon, 18th year; 264-55 overall)
PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Anderson (18th appearance, 32-16) – 2025 (Regional Champion), 2024 (Regional Champion), 2023 (Regional Champion), 2022, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2009, 2008 (State Runner-up), 2007 (State Champion), 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1996, 1994, 1992
Avon (19th appearance, 41-17) – 2025 (Regional Champion), 2024 (State Champion), 2023 (Regional Champion), 2022, 2021 (Regional Champion), 2020 (Regional Champion), 2019 (Regional Champion), 2018 (Regional Champion), 2017 (Regional Champion), 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 (State Runner-up), 2010, 2008, 2004, 1996 (Regional Champion)
ANDERSON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Put the pedal to the metal. Keeping the foot on the gas on both sides of the ball and applying pressure is what the Raptors do best. Playing up the revenge factor and avenging last season’s loss to the Eagles will certainly be a motivator.
AVON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: The Eagles want to avoid getting into a track meet with Anderson. Long, sustained drives are a must. Giving the defense time to get a breather will go a long way toward a successful outcome in this affair.
Prediction: Anderson 35, Avon 31
