Avon Finishes the Job Again, Claims Back-to-Back Division II State Titles Over Anderson
CANTON- All season long Avon carried the weight of expectation. Last year’s championship run reset the standard. This year’s group had to write a new story. On Thursday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, they did exactly that with a convincing 37-20 win over Cincinnati Anderson to claim the Division II state title for the second straight season.
The story of the night was simple. Avon played complete football. The Eagles capitalized early, leaned on their physicality, and delivered a statement defensive performance against one of the most explosive offenses in the state.
A botched Anderson punt snap gifted the Eagles the ball at the Raptors’ 17 yard line, and senior quarterback Blake Elder wasted no time putting Avon on the board with a strike to Finn Jerdonek. It was the beginning of a near flawless first half for Elder, who tied the OHSAA Division II record with four touchdown passes.
Coach Mike Elder put it plainly. “Early on we were able to capitalize on a mistake from Cincinnati Anderson. That was big to get us off to the fast start we were on.”
That fast start came from all three phases. The offense was efficient. The defensive front was relentless. The chemistry was undeniable.
But it took months to build that version of Avon. Elder opened his postgame remarks by revisiting the moment he believes shaped this team. A long travel week in Florida. A 25-22 loss. Questions with no clear answers.
“No one pointed fingers. Not one person, no coaches, no players. They all pointed thumbs,” Elder said. “They took extreme ownership and said, Here is what we have to do to get better. And then they just went to work every single day.”
That mindset carried them to Canton and carried them through Anderson’s high powered offense. Avon’s defense delivered one of its greatest performances of the season, holding the Raptors to their lowest point total all year. Anderson’s quarterback, junior Owen Scalf, still threw for 376 yards, but he was pressured constantly and forced to work for every inch.
“To hold that team to 20 points is a monumental effort,” Elder said.
On offense, it was vintage Avon. Physical. Smart. Balanced. Intentional. Elder threw four touchdowns. Running back Quiante Smith ran for 180 yards and a score. The receivers were reliable and explosive.
And then there is the Grant Barr effect.
Elder explained it with the pride of a coach who has watched the young man grow up. “Every time he is out there, teams have to double him,” Elder said. “When you take people out of the box because of Grant Barr, you can run the ball better. That is the Grant Barr effect.”
Barr delivered a crucial touchdown before halftime, a 37 yard strike that stalled Anderson’s momentum and flipped the quarter back in Avon’s favor. “We needed some momentum to flip the script,” Barr said. “We talk about winning every quarter, and Blake gave me a great ball.”
Blake Elder, the coach’s son, played with poise and presence all night. His ball placement, decision making and timing defined the offensive rhythm. But in the moments he was praised, he immediately redirected it.
“The pass protection was amazing all night,” Elder said. “I can’t credit my teammates enough.” Later he added, “I just can’t do any of this without the people beside me.”
And Avon ran the ball very well. Senior running back Quiante Smith, who missed much of the regular season before returning for the playoff push, delivered a powerful 180-yard performance that kept Anderson’s defense off balance. His 7-yard touchdown late in the third quarter pushed the lead to 34-13 and gave Avon complete control.
“Our why is never to win a state championship,” Elder said. “It is to develop as young men. It is to grow in confidence, to learn how to deal with adversity, to love your teammates. These guys have taken every lesson and run with it.”
“This is a family affair,” Elder said. “I know I have a son up here, but I feel like I have a bunch of other ones too.”
That bond was visible everywhere. Elder talked about coaching many of these players since they were little league baseball kids. He talked about families who have been intertwined with the program for years.
Avon exits Canton with a legacy cemented. The program now holds consecutive state championships for the first time. And in a fall where Avon volleyball and boys soccer also brought home championships, the school’s athletic momentum has never been stronger.
Elder did not shy away from saying it.
“I do not want to sound arrogant here, but we are good at everything,” he said. “Avon is on the rise.”