Purple and Gold Glory: Avon Eagles Capture Their First State Title
For Head Coach Mike Elder, the Avon Eagles' first-ever state championship was the culmination of nearly two decades of hard work and perseverance. “When I first got to Avon, we said our goal was to ultimately win a state championship. This one feels really good because it’s not only for this group of kids but for everyone who ever wore the purple and gold,” Elder said after the Eagles defeated Cincinnati Anderson 20-13 in the OHSAA Division II State Championship game.
The senior class, which compiled 53 wins and two undefeated regular seasons, closed their careers by overcoming years of heartbreak in the state semifinals. Elder reflected on the journey: “The prize isn’t the state championship. The prize was in this journey... and we’ve made a lifetime memory.”
First Half Summary
The Eagles set the tone early, with Nolan Good sprinting 71 yards for a touchdown on a quarterback keeper during their opening drive. Despite two penalties, Avon executed a six-play, 87-yard march to take an early 7-0 lead. In the 2nd quarter, Anderson responded with a 14-play, 70-yard drive capped by Justice Burnam’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Aiden McClanahan, tying the game at 7-7.
Avon answered quickly when Good launched a 44-yard touchdown strike to Matt Maxey, giving the Eagles a 14-7 edge late in the first quarter. Anderson’s chances to pull even before halftime were derailed by two turnovers, while Avon’s attempt to extend the lead was thwarted by a fumble on a promising drive and a blocked field goal as time expired.
Second Half Summary
Anderson opened the second half with a strong drive, as Burnam’s 5-yard touchdown run brought the Raptors within one point. However, Jakob Weatherspoon’ blocked extra point was crucial. Avon responded with a 10-play, 63-yard drive capped by Quiante' Smith’s 10-yard touchdown run. A failed two-point conversion left the score at 20-13 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Raptors made several late pushes, including a 14-play, 67-yard drive that ended in a fourth-and-goal stand by Avon’s defense. Despite a late interception that gave Anderson one last chance, Aiden Atkins sealed the victory by batting down a pass in the end zone as time expired.
Defense Wins Championships
Avon’s defense held Anderson’s high-powered offense, which averaged 47.5 points per game, to just 13 points. Power Four prospect Jakob Weatherspoon led the secondary with 10 tackles and two pass breakups, while Jake Graham contributed an interception. The Eagles’ defense also came up with crucial stops on fourth downs and forced two turnovers, proving critical in the tightly contested matchup.
Nolan Good’s Clutch Performance
Mr. Football finalist Nolan Good shined on the biggest stage, rushing for 190 yards on 19 carries, including a 71-yard touchdown, and passing for 143 yards and another score. His playmaking ability kept the Raptors’ defense on its heels throughout the game. After the game, Good reflected on his journey, “There are so many movies where the main character battles adversity and comes back. I feel like I was that guy... Everything just went as planned. There’s no better feeling.”
Final Stats
Total Yards: Avon 437, Anderson 367
Rushing Yards: Avon 294, Anderson 217
Time of Possession: Avon 27:18, Anderson 20:42
Anderson quarterback Justice Burnam was a standout for the Raptors, rushing for 148 yards and a touchdown while throwing for 150 yards and another score. Despite his efforts, Avon’s balanced attack and physicality proved too much.