High school football: Avon ready for challenge in rematch with Cincinnati Anderson for state title

Cincinnati Anderson is living up to its nickname. The offense attacks defenses from all angles like a like a pack of Raptors. Anderson motions players in the backfield, only to run up the middle, and is always a threat to go deep. Avon, however, is well-acquainted with the Raptors' style, as the two will rematch in the Division II state championship game at Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton on Thursday night. And if the sequel lives up to the original, a 20-13 Avon win that was decided on the last play of the game, it will be must-see football. "We know who they are and last time it came down to the final play of the game," Avon coach Mike Elder said. "It should be a really good football game between two really good programs. They have my upmost respect. We're excited to be there and we're going to try and find a way to get it done." Avon (13-1) is trying to become just the second team from Lorain County to win back-to-back state titles since the Ohio High School Athletic Association instituted a state tournament in 1972. Elyria Catholic (1983-84) is the only program to defend its title, and also the only Lorain County program to win more than one. If the Eagles succeed Thursday, it will cap a fall sports season for the ages, as they will join their boys soccer and volleyball programs as state champions. "This is what we've been chasing that whole time," Avon senior linebacker Vincent DeTillio said. "All we've been preaching and chasing all year is that state championship. That's what we're doing this week." Anderson (14-0) is once again on a record-setting pace. Its 620 points through 14 games is tied for 50th all-time. However, even though that may seem like a far cry from its 2024 team that ranks fifth all-time at 726 points, the Raptors received a bye this year and will have played one less game. On a points-per-game basis, they're just as formidable, averaging 44.3 through 14 games, compared to its 2024 team, which averaged 45.3 in 16. "They're awesome," Avon defensive back Sammy Ulery said of Anderson. "They're a really good team. But we showed what we can do. We can play with any team in the state. It doesn't scare us and we'll be ready to go." The faces may have changed, but Anderson again has a plethora of receivers who can put pressure on the opposing secondary, starting with 6-foot-2 junior Tysin Weaver, who leads the way at 1,250 yards and 19 touchdowns on 80 catches. Cooper Kathman, at 6-foot, leads the team in receptions with 83. The junior has 1,044 yards and eight touchdowns. Three other receivers each have at least 500 yards, starting with 6-1 junior Tegan Jallick at 832 and six touchdowns, 5-10 junior Jordan Davis has 715 yards and four touchdowns and 5-9 senior Brayden Moore has 552 yards and four touchdowns. Davis is the guy who most often lines up in the backfield, leading the team with 671 rushing yards on 143 carries with 21 touchdowns. Owen Scalf directs the offense. The 6-2 junior quarterback has completed 72.5 percent of his passes for 4,584 yards and 39 touchdowns to just nine interceptions in 517 attempts. He's also a threat with his legs, accounting for 640 yards and seven touchdowns on 147 carries. He and Davis are the only two runners with at least 20 carries. "We know them a little better than we did last year," Avon senior wide receiver Grant Barr said. "I think it's going to be a great game. They've been winning big on their side of the bracket." Contact Chris Sweeney at 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com. Follow him @CSweeney1686 on X.