Avon vs Upper Arlington: Key Players To Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of Ohio's premier programs meet Friday night when the Avon Eagles travel to Marv Moorehead Memorial Stadium to face the Upper Arlington Golden Bears in a statewide OHSAA Game of the Week. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avon enters at 1-1 after defeating St. Ignatius 22-21 and falling 48-18 to Pine-Richland. Upper Arlington is 2-0 after commanding wins over Olentangy and Olentangy Berlin, outscoring its opponents 64-7. The Golden Bears have arguably been one of the best defensive teams in Division I, Region 3, while Avon is attempting to respond like the two-time defending Division II state champion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Avon Players to Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2075022' first='Fin' last='Jerdonek'], 2027 WR</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior receiver [player_tooltip player_id='2075022' first='Fin' last='Jerdonek'] is the most dependable target in Avon's passing game. The 5-foot-10, 171-pound playmaker has recorded six receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns through the first two games. He may not be the fastest player on the field, but his route running, awareness, and ability to find open space make him difficult to cover. Jerdonek understands leverage and does a good job presenting a reliable target for junior quarterback Trevor Sykora. Against an aggressive Upper Arlington defense, Avon will need to get the ball out quickly, making Jerdonek important on slants, option routes, and intermediate concepts. His ability to convert third downs and produce yards after the catch could help Avon stay out of obvious passing situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trevor Sykora, 2028 QB</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sykora took over an Avon offense that lost several important pieces from last season's championship team. The 6-foot-2 junior demonstrated his composure in the opener when he helped lead the Eagles' late comeback against St. Ignatius. However, Avon has thrown five interceptions in two games, making ball security one of the biggest storylines heading into Friday night. Upper Arlington disguises coverages and generates pressure from multiple positions, so Sykora must process the defense quickly and avoid forcing throws into crowded windows. Avon has enough talent at receiver to make plays if its quarterback is protected and decisive. This matchup will provide an excellent opportunity to evaluate Sykora against one of Central Ohio's most disciplined defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1136187' first='Michael' last='Colburn'], 2027 RB</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1136187' first='Michael' last='Colburn'] could be the key to keeping Avon's offense balanced. At 5-foot-8 and 182 pounds, Colburn runs with a low center of gravity and can hide behind his offensive line before attacking a crease. Avon cannot allow Upper Arlington to turn the game into a series of obvious passing downs. Colburn must consistently produce positive yardage on first down and force the Golden Bears to respect play action. Even four- and five-yard gains will be valuable because they can slow down Upper Arlington's pressure packages. If Colburn has success early, the entire Avon offense should operate more comfortably.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2128496' first='Derek' last='Weitzel'], 2028 OL/DL</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior two-way lineman [player_tooltip player_id='2128496' first='Derek' last='Weitzel'] will have one of the most demanding assignments of the night. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound prospect has already attracted Division I attention and possesses the size and mobility to play at the next level. Offensively, he will be responsible for helping protect Sykora against an Upper Arlington defense that recorded three sacks and forced multiple negative plays against Berlin. Defensively, Weitzel must battle an enormous Golden Bears offensive line that averages nearly 293 pounds across its five starters. His ability to prevent penetration and occupy blockers could allow Avon's inexperienced linebackers to pursue the football cleanly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upper Arlington Players to Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1921590' first='Reign' last='St. Clair'], 2028 QB</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bellefontaine transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1921590' first='Reign' last='St. Clair'] has brought another talented arm to Upper Arlington's quarterback room. The 6-foot-3, 223-pound junior completed 17 of 22 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the 24-0 victory over Berlin. St. Clair has a strong arm, a college-ready frame, and the confidence to challenge tight windows. He also benefits from playing behind one of the most impressive offensive lines in Central Ohio. His developing connection with sophomore receiver [player_tooltip player_id='2142984' first='Paxton' last='Bjork'] gives the Golden Bears another weapon on third down and in the red zone. If St. Clair remains patient and takes what Avon's defense gives him, Upper Arlington will be difficult to get off the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2142984' first='Paxton' last='Bjork'], 2029 WR</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bjork is quickly becoming one of the most interesting young receivers in the Columbus area. The 5-foot-7, 155-pound sophomore caught two touchdown passes against Berlin, scoring from 17 and 14 yards. Bjork shows an advanced understanding of spacing and knows how to find openings between defenders. His chemistry with St. Clair was evident on both scoring plays last week. Avon's safeties will have to remain aware of Bjork when Upper Arlington uses play action or creates traffic with condensed formations. Another productive performance on a statewide broadcast could accelerate his recruitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1687408' first='Chris' last='Gentner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1703185' first='Drake' last='Dorsey'], 2027 OL</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Upper Arlington's offensive identity begins with senior linemen [player_tooltip player_id='1687408' first='Chris' last='Gentner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1703185' first='Drake' last='Dorsey']. Gentner is a 6-foot-5, 295-pound interior lineman committed to Ohio University, while the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Dorsey is committed to Princeton. Gentner generates movement inside and gives the Golden Bears an excellent option when they need tough yards. Dorsey provides size, length, and experience at left tackle. Together, they allow Upper Arlington to control the tempo, protect St. Clair, and remain committed to its physical rushing attack. Their matchup against Weitzel, [player_tooltip player_id='2075029' first='Nolan' last='Robke'], and the Avon defensive front should be one of the best evaluations of the night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1987204' first='Nolan' last='Miller'], 2028 S/WR</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior safety [player_tooltip player_id='1987204' first='Nolan' last='Miller'] has the size and versatility that college programs covet. The 6-foot-3, 197-pound two-way athlete recorded two interceptions in Upper Arlington's opening victory and has the range to affect throws across the middle of the field. Miller can play deep safety, walk down closer to the box, or contribute offensively at receiver. Against Avon, his ability to disguise coverage and close throwing windows could create problems for Sykora. Miller is already developing into a potential Power Four prospect and will have another opportunity to demonstrate his instincts against a talented receiver group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">James Janowicz and [player_tooltip player_id='2119486' first='Tyler' last='Witten'], 2027 Defenders</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Janowicz produced one of the most complete defensive performances in Central Ohio last week. The senior safety recorded an interception, sack, pass breakup, and tackle for loss against Berlin. He plays downhill with confidence and gives Upper Arlington another defender capable of affecting both the running and passing games. Senior edge defender [player_tooltip player_id='2119486' first='Tyler' last='Witten'] also made a major impact, returning a fumble seven yards for a touchdown. At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, Witten's length can disrupt Sykora even when he does not reach the quarterback. Avon must account for both players on every passing down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Keys to the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Avon, the first key is protecting the football. The Eagles cannot give Upper Arlington short fields and expect to consistently stop its physical offense. Avon must also establish Colburn enough to prevent the Golden Bears from attacking Sykora with their entire pressure package. Finally, the Eagles need explosive plays from Jerdonek, [player_tooltip player_id='2220660' first='Caeden' last='Bennett'], or [player_tooltip player_id='1218175' first='Jackson' last='Palmer'] because sustaining long drives against this defense will be difficult.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Upper Arlington, the formula begins with its offensive line. The Golden Bears should test Avon's inexperienced linebackers with Theado and Tolliver before using play action to create opportunities for Bjork and Miller. Defensively, Upper Arlington must continue changing the picture for Sykora without allowing him to escape the pocket. [player_tooltip player_id='2341965' first='Edward' last='Oakley']'s ability as a kicker and punter could also provide a significant field-position advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Upper Arlington has been the more complete team through two weeks, but Avon's championship experience cannot be overlooked. The opening quarter will be important. If Avon settles into the game without committing an early turnover, this could become a physical four-quarter battle. If Upper Arlington's defense creates short fields and allows the Golden Bears to play from ahead, Avon could find itself chasing the game against a team designed to protect a lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->