Avon Eagles Face Highland Hornets in Regional Final Showdown

The Avon Eagles prepare to clash with the Medina Highland Hornets in the Division II Region 6 final on November 21, 2024, at Brunswick Auto Mart Stadium. This highly anticipated matchup marks a pivotal moment for Avon, the defending Division II State Champions, as they aim for their eighth trip to the state semifinals in nine years.

Avon has established a stronghold in this rivalry, having won seven of their past eight postseason meetings against Highland. The Eagles secured a victory in last year’s regional final, winning 28-14 but faced a closer contest in the 2024 rematch, prevailing by a narrow 28-20 margin. This year, both teams enter the final with impressive records, Avon at 11-1 and Highland undefeated at 12-0.

Avon coach Mike Elder acknowledges the significance of this game, noting that the Hornets are now viewing the Eagles as they once viewed Akron Hoban, a formidable opponent from whom they sought redemption. “The good news is that we know they are looking at us like we used to look at Hoban,” Elder said. “Our team is disciplined enough to not overlook this game. They recognize that this is the most important game of our season right now.”

The rivalry deepened with the Eagles’ history against Highland, especially since both teams have faced off in the playoffs multiple times over the past decade. Elder recognized Highland as the best team his squad has encountered this season, which includes other strong teams like Hoban and Cincinnati Anderson. “Their brotherhood is strong, and you can tell that they are a close-knit group,” he stated, highlighting the well-coached nature of Highland’s program.

Highland demonstrated their prowess in the regional semifinal, defeating North Ridgeville 48-0. The Hornets’ defense has been exceptional, allowing an average of just 4.5 points per game, with their last significant points conceded against Avon Lake in a 34-7 victory. This level of defensive performance has earned Highland the title of Suburban League-American Division champions.

In terms of offensive talent, Highland’s standout player is running back Casey Myser, who holds multiple records in Medina County, including 540 points scored and 79 rushing touchdowns. Myser has secured the Northeast Inland District Offensive Player of the Year award for his performance this season, contributing to Highland’s success with 1,163 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns in 2024.

Avon quarterback Blake Elder faces the challenge of leading his team against Highland’s formidable defense, which is known for its creative schemes and pressure tactics. The Eagles are aware that success against Highland will require a cohesive team effort in defense. “In order to stop them, you have to play great team defense,” Elder remarked. “You are not going to win by tackling those guys one-on-one in space all night long.”

Quarterback Graddy Gibb has proven to be a dual-threat for Highland, throwing for 1,647 yards and 22 touchdowns this season. His impressive completion rate of 85.6% and a passer rating of 150.3 underscore his capabilities. In the recent win over North Ridgeville, Gibb completed 8 of 9 passes for 218 yards and four touchdowns, while also adding two rushing touchdowns to his impressive tally.

As Avon looks to secure another regional title, Coach Elder is on the verge of making history with 213 career wins. A victory on November 21 would tie him with Avon Lake’s Dave Dlugosz, who holds the record for most wins in Lorain County with 214 victories from 1992 to 2012 and again in 2014-16.

The stakes are high as Avon and Highland prepare for this critical showdown in Brunswick. The winner will advance to the Division II State semifinal, scheduled for November 28. As the teams gear up, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating encounter between these two rivals.