The Avon Eagles and Cincinnati Anderson Raptors are set to meet for the second consecutive year in the Division II state championship game, taking place on December 4, 2025, at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Both teams, featuring a mix of returning stars and emerging talent, are primed for an intense matchup. Last year, the Eagles edged out the Raptors with a narrow 20-13 victory, bolstered by a crucial defensive stop as time expired.
Avon aims to become only the second team from Lorain County to secure back-to-back titles, following the achievements of Elyria Catholic in 1983 and 1984. The Eagles have navigated a challenging path to the final, securing regional victories against teams like Olmsted Falls, Wadsworth, and Medina Highland. Notably, they defeated Walsh Jesuit 38-7 in the state semifinals, avoiding a matchup with Akron Hoban, a team they faced last year.
In contrast, the Cincinnati Anderson Raptors enter the championship game undefeated at 14-0. Their journey has included victories over Edgewood, Butler, and Mount Healthy in Division II, Region 8, culminating in a state semifinal win against Big Walnut.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams feature standout players who will significantly influence the outcome of this championship clash.
For Avon, running back Quiante Smith stands out after a stellar performance in last year’s championship and a strong showing this season, despite an injury that limited his regular-season play. He has accumulated 583 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, sharing the backfield duties with Cam Wendell, who has scored 11 touchdowns.
Additionally, linebacker Ryan Stolarski leads the Eagles’ defense with 98 tackles and has made a name for himself as the Division II Northeast Lakes Defensive Player of the Year. The Eagles will miss the presence of ATH Jakob Weatherspoon, who was sidelined with a season-ending injury.
Anderson counters with a formidable defense, highlighted by linebacker Antwione Higgins, who has earned recognition as a four-star recruit with 33 FBS offers. He has recorded 61 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss, and has two interceptions. Moreover, linebacker Brady Kuhn has been a force on defense, leading his team with 118 tackles and nine sacks.
Offensive Showdowns
The offensive units of both teams will also play a crucial role in the championship.
Avon’s quarterback, Blake Elder, has emerged as a key player, completing 67.7% of his passes for 2,822 yards and 31 touchdowns during the season. His connection with receiver Fin Jerdonek has become a vital aspect of the Eagles’ offense, with Jerdonek amassing 735 receiving yards and eight touchdown receptions.
On the Anderson side, quarterback Owen Scalf has also made waves, throwing for an impressive 4,584 yards with 39 touchdown passes. He is just 54 yards shy of surpassing his brother in the OHSAA record books, showcasing the family legacy on the field.
The Raptors’ offense features Jordan Davis, a dual-threat running back who transferred from Milford. He has accumulated 1,386 yards from scrimmage and has scored 25 touchdowns, making him a pivotal player to watch.
As both teams prepare for this championship showdown, fans can expect a thrilling game filled with high stakes and exceptional talent. The matchup promises to be not only a test of skill but also of strategy, as each team looks to capitalize on their strengths while exploiting the weaknesses of their rivals.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 local time, and it will be broadcast on Spectrum News 1, with radio coverage available on WOBL-FM and WDLW-FM. With both teams having demonstrated their capabilities throughout the season, this championship game is poised to be a memorable contest for all involved.
