High school football: Rivals Avon, Avon Lake getting together for annual high school football clash

Tracks of the Norfolk and Southern Railroad is the only thing separating two communities with a lot of pride in their football programs. It's become the source of the "Silver Rail" Trophy awarded annually to the winner of the Avon-Avon Lake game, which began in 2015 when Avon joined the Southwestern Conference. The Shoremen currently hold the trophy thanks to a 30-24 victory last year. Avon Lake took advantage of three fumbles and an interception, but Avon nearly came back from a 30-10 halftime deficit. This year, Avon (2-1) is coming off a tough loss to Glenville, 27-21. The Eagles won a lightning-shortened opener in Florida, 7-0, over Stratford (SC) and defeated Medina in a thrilling 43-42 Week 2 win. Avon Lake (3-0) has shutout wins over Strongsville (38-0) and Brecksville-Broadview Heights (35-0), while defeating St. John the Baptist from New York, 38-7 last week. Avon Lake and Avon has become the biggest Lorain County rivalry for a number of reasons. Both play in the prestigious SWC and both fight for the league title every year. Both are Division II powers likely to sit at the top of the playoff rankings. Both have had great success in the playoffs, with Avon Lake winning the state title in 2003 and finishing as runner-up the following year. The Shoremen have made 23 playoff appearances, going 28-22. Avon has been in the postseason 15 times, finishing as runner-up in 2011 and reaching the Final Four in each of the past five seasons. The Eagles are 30-15 in the postseason. Both are coached by Mount Union graduates, where both earned All-American status. Avon's Mike Elder was an All-American offensive tackle in 1992. Avon Lake's Matt Kostelnik was an All-American defensive back in 2007. Both played for legendary coach Larry Kehres. Both coached under him as well. The two schools started the rivalry in six-man football from 1939 through 1954 with Avon holding an 11-10 margin in victories under that format. The two have played 11-man football on and off since 1956 with Avon again holding an 11-10 margin. Avon Lake dominated the early years of 11-man football and the rivalry was discontinued after 1960 but resumed with a season-opening game in 2007 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Avon Lake won 50-25 and three years later, the two hooked up again with Avon winning 21-3. The schools have played each year since 2010 with three playoff meetings. Avon has won two of the three. The two sides have even taken up a Woody Hayes-like expression about the game. Hayes called Michigan "that team up north" and never referred to it as Michigan. That phrase has been used ever since. Similarly, Avon's players call Avon Lake simply "Lake" while Avon Lake's players refer to Avon as "South." It's been a friendly rivalry with respect on both sides. It's sure to draw a sellout crowd at Avon Lake's Memorial Stadium. Both coaches appreciate playing and coaching in the game. "It's just so funny how our two cities intermingle," said Kostelnik. "I told the kids 'you've got to come out and enjoy this game. You're going to play in front of more people Friday night than you would in any other game during the season. MAC schools sometimes don't even get this many people to come to the games. Even if you guys are going off to school next year playing in college, you're just not going to play in front of crowds like this. Enjoy the moment.' "We have so many people that live here and teach there or live there and teach here. It's good people. I know we have our squabbles from time to time but overall, they're two good towns and two great sets of people. We like to compete." "I think our rivalry with 'Lake' is one of the greatest rivalries in high school football," said Elder. "The two communities are very similar and separated by a set of railroad tracks. Both communities embrace the Friday nights as a community event and the fans unconditionally support their teams. Playing in "The Game" is a special experience and win or lose, our kids will remember it the rest of their lives." Contact Tim Gebhardt at 329-7135 or timothygeb@msn.com. Avon – Avon Lake Series History of 11-man Football 1956 Avon Lake 25, Avon 8 1957 Avon Lake 50, Avon 14 1958 Avon Lake 42, Avon 14 1959 Avon Lake 48, Avon 0 1960 Avon Lake 26, Avon 0 2007 Avon Lake 50, Avon 25 2010 Avon 21, Avon Lake 3 2011 Avon 38, Avon Lake 7 2012 Avon Lake 42, Avon 28 2013 Avon 41, Avon Lake 10 2014 Avon 44, Avon Lake 7 2015 Avon 31, Avon Lake 7 2016 Avon 31, Avon Lake 7 2016 Avon Lake 27, Avon 26 (Playoff) 2017 Avon 31, Avon Lake 6 2018 Avon Lake 31, Avon 28 2019 Avon 13, Avon Lake 12 2019 Avon 20, Avon Lake 3 (Playoff) 2020 Avon 33, Avon Lake 30 (2 OT) 2020 Avon 20, Avon Lake 17 (Playoff) 2021 Avon Lake 30, Avon 24 Avon leads 11-man football 11-10 The schools played 6-man Football (1939-1954) Avon won the 6-man series 11-10