PRZOH Team Previews: Avon

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>July is here, and that brings us to team preview season! Throughout the entire month of July and into early August, I will be releasing team previews to prepare everyone for the upcoming season and highlight key players to watch. Articles will be published daily, so be sure to check back to see if your favorite program is featured! In this article, we will highlight the 2024 D2 state champions, Avon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Head Coach: Mike Elder (202-31)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (16-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Avon Eagles completed their first undefeated season to win the first state championship in school history. It was truly a historic run for the program, and certainly an unforgettable one. Avon made the state semi-final game, but fell to Archbishop Hoban 17-14. All eyes were on another deep run for Avon, and they started with a tough three-game slate. St. Ignatius was game one of 16 for Avon, and they handled the D1 Wildcats 42-21. After a 21-14 scare from Canton McKinley, all sights were set on the week three matchup vs Glenville. After a 24-16 victory in 2023, Avon was victorious yet again against Glenville, this time 13-12 in a slugfest. After that week, it was smooth sailing until the Eagles' regional final contest vs Highland. Highland gave Avon a stiff contest in the 2023 playoffs, and they did again in 2024, but Avon pulled through in a 28-20 victory. The state semi-final matchup would be a rematch from 2023. This time, Avon put up points against Archbishop Hoban and ran through them 35-10. Avon finally broke through and reached the state championship game for the first time since 2011. Avon would have to beat Anderson in the state championship to get their first trip to the mountain top of high school football. In a snowy game that kicked off state championship weekend, Avon came out quick. Their rushing attack was quick and heavy, and gave Anderson a lot of problems. With the early advantages Avon found in the first half, they saw themselves up 14-7 at halftime and officially two quarters away from glory. Avon's defense came to their shining moment, eight seconds left in the game, up 20-13. They wouldn't get pressure on the Anderson quarterback, but the secondary locked down for one final time and claimed the elusive state championship Avon had been chasing. It was emotional on the field, as a dream finally came true for the senior class of 2024 and those before them. A 16-0 season brings evident dominance in multiple ways, but there is a case to be made that Avon was the single best team in Ohio in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Season Outlook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avon loses three key pieces from their championship-winning program. Avon will need to establish the quarterback position early in the season. The offense is primarily run first, but Nolan Good was able to run the ball from the backfield and was an explosive playmaker. Avon will have plenty of options to spread the ball around to, so the position should be simple, but you need to find who will man the ship. Last season, there were three leading ball carriers, and expect that to continue this season. Avon brings back two primary rushers from last season, and with one coming into the fold more prominently, Avon's rushing attack could be even better this season. Defensively, Avon will be a unit that could be the best in the state. With the defensive backs projected to play, it's one of the best units, if not the best, and the pass rush should be able to get home. Avon will look to defend their 2024 state championship, and I think they will have a great shot at doing so. Coach Elder has done this before several times, and has bounced back strong every time, so I wouldn't be worried if I were a fan of the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL Jeremiah Kelly (Cincinnati)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB Nolan Good (Kent State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR Matt Maxey (Kent State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB/DB Tyler Kaufmann</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["730825"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f400f87ed3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Weatherspoon will be one of several premier defensive backs in Ohio's 2026 class. He's very athletic and moves well when breaking onto the football. He's great in pursuit of ball-carriers and packs a punch on his tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1703200"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f76474f532"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dawson committed to Cincinnati just last month, and for great reason. Dawson is a great pass rusher. At his size, he is very quick and uses the speed-size combination to his advantage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1410814"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f400f87f33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stolarski is a great athlete at the linebacker position. He plays fast and physical. Stolarski operates as an excellent blitzer and can blow up plays early on. I think Stolarski will be someone we see rise as we go through the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207687"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f400f88093"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fenton will be someone to monitor closely. Jairel displays excellent ball skills and is overall a great athlete. He can fly to the ball and get up to get a takeaway. If Jairel appears to be as talented as I think he is, Avon's secondary could be lethal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1163022"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f400f87f7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hauck will be a riser over the season if his junior campaign carries over into 2025. He's a fluid mover as a tackle and can drive with his lower half. He is a great athlete at his size and uses his size effectively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1136187"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f400f8804e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Colburn is a fun player to watch. He can operate as a ferocious runner or as a pass catcher. He can pick gaps to get through and uses his frame to bounce off tackles. Colburn is the complete package at the running back position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1075419"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686f400f88009"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barr will be one of the top targets for the passing attack in 2025. Barr lines up as the X and can make things happen. He's physical and makes smart plays off the ball. Occasionally, he can pop off after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">More Names to Know</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 QB/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1716659' first='Trevor' last='Maly']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 RB Cam Wendell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1589508' first='Quiante' last='Smith']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 WR Sam Ulery</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1218175' first='Jackson' last='Palmer']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR Caeden Bennett</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 OL Caden Krugman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 DL Nolan Robke</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1719870' first='Jerry' last='Clements']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DB Alex Rivera</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DB/WR Josiah Saunders</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Schedule</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/22 </strong>– St. Ignatius</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/28 (Th.) </strong>&nbsp;– at Spruce Creek (FL)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/5</strong>&nbsp;– Glenville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/12</strong>&nbsp;– at North Ridgeville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/19</strong>&nbsp;– Olmstead Falls</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/26</strong>&nbsp;– at Berea-Midpark</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/3</strong>&nbsp;– Midview</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/10</strong>&nbsp;– at Marion L Steele</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/17</strong>&nbsp;– Avon Lake</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/24</strong>&nbsp;– at Elyria</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->