Anderson’s rematch of the 2024 Division II state final ended with a repeat result as Anderson fell to Avon, 37-20.
Anderson played Avon evenly in the second half, but an early 21-0 deficit was just too much to overcome for the Raptors. Turnovers plagued the Raptors from the jump, as their first drive ended with a errant snap that set Avon up inside the red zone. Two more turnovers on downs in the first half contributed to the deficit as Anderson stayed aggressive on fourth-and-short situations.
From there, Anderson showed more explosive offense but just couldn’t get over the hump. Anderson had the ball with an opportunity to make it a one-score game, but the Eagles defense came up with an interception to hold the Raptors at bay.
Even in the loss, Anderson’s junior quarterback Owen Scalf set the Division II state finals passing record with 376 yards. The record had been held by Sylvania Southview’s Alex Pidcock, who threw for 333 in a 2008 win over Anderson. Scalf completed 32 of 47 passes, throwing two touchdowns and rushing for another. Tysin Weaver and Cooper Kathman hauled in big yardage, gaining 125 yards and 111 yards respectively.
Avon’s offense was well-balanced tonight, throwing for 216 yards and rushing for 217 yards. Five different Eagles found paydirt in the win. Avon ends the year hoisting the Division II trophy with a 14-1 record.
Anderson finishes the year with a 14-1 record, coming home as runner-up for the third time in school history. The Raptors will graduate a senior class of 18 players: Ke’Maury Tye, Brady Kuhn, Brayden Moore, Maddux Snider, Reid Baker, James Schnurstein, Landen Edwards, Andrew Harves, Quinn Story, Tanner Holt, Nicholas Pastura, Michael Galluppi, Ethan Johansen, Julian Alcade, Peyton Resor, Bram Hermans, Brady Riley and Artie Swinegar.
AND 0 7 6 7 – 20
AV 14 13 7 3 – 37
AV – Jerdonek 15 pass from Elder (Petro kick)
AV – Clapham 22 pass from Elder (Petro kick)
AV – Bennett 7 pass from Elder (Petro kick)
AND – Scalf 1 run (Snider kick)
AV –Barr 37 pass from Elder (run failed)
AND – Moore 12 pass from Scalf (kick failed)
AV – Smith 6 run (Petro kick)
AND – Weaver 7 pass from Scalf (Snider kick)
AV – FG Petro 30
Records: AV 14-1, AND 14-1
Live updates
Avon defeats Anderson in state championship rematch, 37-20
The Eagles ran out the clock and celebrated their second-straight Division II state championship. Anderson ends as runner-up in 2025.
Anderson turns ball over on downs from the goal line | 37-20 Avon 4:55 Q4
With fourth-and-goal from the 6, Avon forced an incompletion from Anderson to take over on downs. Avon’s Quiante Smith broke off a 40-yard run on the next play, with the Eagles now trying to run out the clock on a second-straight state championship.
Avon kicks field goal to maintain three-score lead | 37-20 Avon 7:16 Q4
A 30-yard field goal from the Eagles keeps Avon ahead by 17. The clock is now a significant problem for the Raptors in their comeback bid.
Scalf sets passing record, Anderson scores touchdown to open fourth quarter | 34-20 Avon 11:55 Q4
Owen Scalf connected with Tysin Weaver for a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter. With the completion, Scalf set the Division II state final record for most passing yards with 336. The previous record was 333 yards, set by Alex Pidcock from Sylvania Southview in the 2008 final against Anderson.
Anderson ends third quarter on goal line, still trailing 34-13
Mark Madden had a huge kickoff return all the way to the Avon 39 yard line and the offense ending the quarter with a drive down to the 2. The Raptors haven’t been able to close the gap, and will need to work quickly to make a comeback.
Avon scores on fourth-down play | 34-13 Avon 1:38 Q3
With fourth-and-1 at the 6 yard line, Avon’s Quiante Smith found paydirt to stretch the Eagles lead. Anderson trails by three scores again.
Avon intercepts Owen Scalf | 27-13 Avon 5:10 Q3
On the first play of the drive for Anderson, Owen Scalf was picked off by Jairel Fenton. Avon takes possession at the Anderson 28.
Anderson defense forces punt | 27-13 Avon 5:20 Q3
The Raptors defense got a crucial stop to get the ball back with just over five minutes left in the quarter. Anderson’s offense takes over at their own 26 with a chance to make it a one-score game.
Anderson scores to start the second half | 27-13 Avon 9:23 Q3
Owen Scalf threw a 12-yard touchdown strike to Brayden Moore on fourth down, getting the second half started on the right foot. Scalf has now passed for over 300 yards in the game. The extra-point was unsuccessful, so the Raptors are now down by 14.
Avon takes 27-7 lead into the locker room
At the half, Avon holds a three-score lead over undefeated Anderson. Owen Scalf has been accurate, going 19-of-27 for 219 yards passing and a rushing touchdown. Early turnovers were just too much to overcome in the first half, so the Raptors will have to tighten up in the second half.
Avon’s Blake Elder throws fourth touchdown of the first half | 27-7 Avon 2:18 Q2
A 37-yard pass to Grant Barr gave the Avon signal caller his fourth touchdown pass of the half. He is currently 9-of-13 for 176 yards passing. The Eagles were unsuccessful on the ensuing extra-point attempt.
Anderson scores after 43-yard completion | 21-7 Avon 5:18 Q
After getting the ball back, Anderson drove downfield in a hurry. A 43-yard completion from Owen Scalf to Cooper Kathman, which set up a 1-yard touchdown dive for Scalf on the next play. The drive took seven plays to go 77 yards in 1:36.
Anderson turns ball over on downs again | 21-0 Avon 8:21 Q2
Owen Scalf was sacked on fourth down once again, giving the Eagles the ball at their own 45 yard line. Cincinnati Bearcats commit Lance Dawson was responsible for the sack.
Avon QB tosses third passing touchdown of the first half | 21-0 Avon 9:32 Q2
Blake Elder threw his third passing touchdown of the game with a 7-yard completion to Caeden Bennett. Each of Elder’s touchdowns have gone to a different receiver.
Avon leads Anderson by two scores at end of first quarter
The first quarter was all Eagles in the Division II state championship. Avon came away with two Anderson turnovers and scored two passing touchdowns to take a 14-0 lead into the second quarter. The Eagles are currently driving with the ball at the Anderson 20 yard line.
Owen Scalf sacked, Anderson turns ball over on downs | 14-0 Avon 1:13 Q1
Another Anderson drive ends at midfield as the Raptors get aggressive on fourth down. Quarterback Owen Scalf was slung down by the Eagles defense, giving Avon the ball back.
Avon scores again quickly | 14-0 Avon 2:39 Q1
The Eagles orchestrated a quick touchdown drive, going 87 yards in just six plays. Avon’s Blake Elder connected with Caden Clapham to cap the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass.
Anderson forced to punt to Avon | 7-0 Avon 5:09 Q1
After reaching midfield, Anderson’s drive stalled out. A successful punt placed Avon at its own 13.
Avon scores first against Anderson in state championship | 7-0 Avon 7:16 Q1
After the turnover by the Raptors special teams unit, Avon’s quarterback Blake Elder found Finn Jerdonek for a 14-yard touchdown pass. Avon takes the early lead.
Anderson miscue gives Avon great field position | 0-0 7:50 Q1
After both teams failed to get much going on offense, an errant snap before a punt by the Raptors gave Avon the ball inside the red zone. Avon takes over at the Anderson 17 yard line.
Avon starts with the ball, Anderson to receive after halftime
Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon spoke to Anderson before kickoff
Prior to kickoff on the Division II state championship at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Warren Moon joined the Raptors in the locker room to share a few words.
WATCH: Scott Springer previews Anderson vs. Avon in Division II football state final
Anderson hoping to end three-year football title drought for Cincinnati
Anderson has a chance to secure Cincinnati’s first high school football state championship since 2021 when they take on Avon. Take a look to see what’s at stake for the city’s high school football teams.
How to watch Anderson game from home
Looking for a way to watch the game without leaving the house? It’s free for Spectrum customers while others can buy a ticket to view the game online. For a full breakdown of viewing options, check out how to watch Anderson’s state championship game.
Forecast for Canton ahead of football state championships
It’s set to be a cold one up in Canton tonight as Anderson prepares to take the field. Temperatures could drop as low as 12 degrees, with minimal chance of snow flurries. Snow was falling when Anderson and Avon played in the state final last year.
Anderson seeks revenge against Avon after 2024 state title defeat
The Raptors and Eagles are well acquainted with one another after meeting in Canton in 2024. In that matchup, Avon took the crown with a 20-13 victory. One year later, Anderson gets a chance to avenge their loss and protect their undefeated 2025 campaign.
Leading up to the state championship, The Enquirer’s James Weber met up with the Raptors to hear from players and coaches about their outlook on the game. See what they had to say in his story.
Check out photos from the Anderson Raptors 2025 football season
What time does the Anderson football game kick off?
The Raptors will take the field at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium at 7 p.m. The Raptors are squaring off against Avon in the Division II state championship.
Restaurants, bars showing Anderson football game
With the many fans unable to make the trip up to Canton for the state championship game, The Enquirer asked around to see which local restaurants and bars would have the game on the big screen. Take a look at our list of places to catch the biggest games of the year.
Anderson players on Southwest Ohio Football Coaches Association all-city teams
The Southwest Ohio Football Coaches Association released their 2025 all-city teams on Dec. 3. With an undefeated regular season and a high-powered offense, Anderson landed several players on the first and second teams in Division II. Check out which Raptors received recognition from the SWOFCA.
Get Ohio high school football scores from Scorestream
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Anderson vs. Avon football 2025 state championship game recap, updates
Reporting by Chase Souder, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
