CANTON, Ohio – Anderson was out to avenge last season’s loss to Avon in the state finale but the reigning state champions were having none of that. The Eagles jumped out to a 21-0 lead less than 15 minutes into the contest and thwarted off every Raptors threat after that. To put into perspective how dominant the start of the game was by Avon, Anderson hadn’t trailed 14-0 in 37 outings dating back to October 20, 2023.
Avon quarterback Blake Elder threw for 176 yards with touchdown passes to four different Eagles as the Eagles built a 27-7 halftime lead. The four scoring strikes by the senior tied the record for touchdown passes in a Division II state championship game. He would end his evening 12-18 for 216 yards and the four touchdown tosses. Classmate Quiante’ Smith did the heavy lifting on the ground in the second half and finished the night with 31 carries for 180 yards and a touchdown.
Despite being under duress all night Anderson quarterback Owen Scalf set the record passing yards in a Division II state championship game throwing for 376 yards completing 32 of 47 passes with two touchdowns. Avon sacked the junior five times and had 10.0 tackles for losses.
The Eagles defense bent but did not break. The Raptors offense had a hard time converting drives. Anderson had 10 possessions. They turned the ball over on downs five times (four in the first half) and four of those were in Avon territory. It would be the difference in the game and make it virtually impossible to mount any sort of comeback.
Anderson junior receiver Tysin Weaver had 11 receptions, which tied for the most in a Division II state championship game, for 125 yards and a score. Classmate Cooper Kathman had seven catches for 114 yards.
Avon has set the bar high in Division II winning back-to-back state championships, handing Anderson its only two losses in the last two years, beating Massillon Washington in each of the past two campaigns, capturing eight regional titles in the last nine seasons and 16 years in a row with 10 wins or more. The Eagles are Division II royalty at this moment.
SCORING BY QUARTERS
Anderson 0-7-6-7-20
Avon 14-13-7-3-37
SCORING PLAYS
AV: Fin Jerdonek 15 pass Blake Elder (Jenson Petro kick)
AV: Caden Clapham 22 pass from Elder (Petro kick)
AV: Caeden Bennett pass from Elder (Petro kick)
AN: Owen Scalf 1 run (Maddux Snider kick)
AV: Grant Barr 37 pass from Elder (kick failed)
AN: Brayden Moore 12 pass from Scalf (kick blocked)
AV: Quiante’ Smith 6 run
AN: Tyson Weaver 7 pass from Scalf (Snider kick)
RECORDS: Anderson (14-1); Avon (14-1)
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