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Avon Outlasts Anderson 20-13 To Win First Ever State Title

Photo via Billy Kosco

During an incredible undefeated season, no matter the conditions, Avon came ready to play.

Thursday night’s Division II State Championship was no different, as the Eagles battled through heavy snow and frigid temperatures to win their first state title in school history, 20-13.

Avon Sets The Standard Early

A common trend in this game would be quarterbacks running for big yardage. Avon senior Nolan Good and Anderson senior Justice Burnam combined for 338 rushing yards.

Early in regulation, Avon found itself facing a third and long from its own 29. That is when Good rumbled his way downfield for a 71-yard touchdown to flip the early momentum.

 

 

Both Teams Trade Blows In The Second Quarter

While Avon dominated the time of possession in the first quarter, Anderson was finally able to gain some offensive momentum early in the second.

An efficient drive was capped off with a short pass from Burnam to Aiden McClanahan for a 12-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.

However, it did not take Avon long to respond.

Good threw his only touchdown pass of a bitter cold night, a 44-yard completion to Matt Maxey to give the Eagles a 14-7 lead.

 

With the snow coming down, each team lost a fumble late in the first half.

Avon ran the ball deep into Anderson territory before a fumble out of the back of the end zone led to a touchback and no points.

The Eagles would get the ball back on a Jacob Graham interception with 19 seconds to play, but a blocked field goal once again kept Avon’s lead at 14-7.

 

A Back-and-Forth Affair Continues

Anderson started the second half with possession, and the Raptors did not squander that opportunity.

An impressive drive ended with a 6-yard quarterback keeper from Burham. This appeared to be the game-tying touchdown, but a blocked extra point kept the score at 14-13 in favor of Avon.

Like they did in the first half, Avon came up with another quick response to an Anderson scoring drive.

Quiante Smith, who scored three touchdowns in a state semifinal victory over Archbishop Hoban, found the end zone in the state title game on a 10-yard carry.

Avon attempted to take a two possession lead with a two point conversion attempt, but Anderson’s defense stopped Good short to keep the score at 20-13.

 

Defense Finishes The Job

In the fourth quarter, each team came up with a critical defensive stop backed up against their own end zone.

First, it was Avon coming up with a goal line stand with 10:18 remaining in regulation.

Then, with 4:28 to play, Anderson sophomore Ace Alston intercepted a pass backed up against the end zone to give the Raptors new life.

In a dramatic final drive, Anderson was able to get into Avon territory.

The game came down to the very last play, a 22-yard pass attempt that was knocked away as time expired, as Avon secured a 20-13 victory.

Despite treacherous weather conditions, the teams combined for over 800 yards of offense. Timely defensive stands and forced turnovers kept the game relatively low scoring.

After many seasons of coming close, including a 2011 championship loss to Trotwood-Madison, Avon will head home to Lorain County with its first state title in school history.

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