WADSWORTH — It’ll be back to the future again when Wadsworth and reigning state champion Avon meet in a Week 13 Division II, Region 6 high school football semifinal on Friday, Nov. 14. for the second season in a row.
The winner faces either No. 2 Wadsworth (11-0) or No. 3 Avon (10-1) in a week with a regional title on the line.
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Halftime statistics from Avon-Wadsworth
Individual leaders
Avon – Quiante’ Smith 10 carries, 66 yards, 2 TDs; Blake Elder 4-for-5, 52 yards; Fin Jerdonek 2 catches, 29 yards
Wadsworth – Cooper Gray five carries, 15 yards; Brysen Hall 15-of-21, 131 yads, TD, Int.; Luke Maddox 4 catches, 54 yards, two TDs
Wadsworth with a possible Bill Belichick special against Avon?
The New England Patriots used to love scoring right before half and then opening the third quarter with a touchdown. Coach Justin Todd might steal a page from them. Luke Maddox scored on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Brysen Hall. It’s 28-14 Avon with 33 seconds left in the second quarter. Wadsworth will get the ball to start the third quarter.
Avon defense stops Wadsworth again, offense scores
The Eagles’ momentum is huge right now. Avon goes 40 yards on four plays and Quiante Smith scores his second touchdown. This one from 22 yards out. It’s Avon 28-7 with 3:11 left before the break.
Avon extends its lead against Wadsworth
The Eagles go 46 yards on five plays in 2:09. Quiante’ Smith goes in from 3 yards out. It’s 21-7 Avon with 5:36 left before the break.
Avon defense stands tall against Wadsworth
The Eagles stuffed Wadsworth on downs and held on fourth-and-2 from the Grizzlies. It’s 14-7 Avon with 7:57 left.
Avon takes the lead in the second quarter over Wadsworth
The Eagles drive 68 yards on nine plays and take the lead on a Cam Wendel. It’s 14-7 Avon with 10:10 left in the second quarter.
Avon, Wadsworth deadlocked after one quarter
It’s 7-7 after one. The Eagles face second-and-5 on the Wadsworth 35-yard line. Wadsworth leads in total offense 76-49. It’s been very entertaining so far.
Avon holds Wadsworth on downs, thwarts deep scoring chance
It’s 7-7 with 1:34 left in the first quarter after the Eagles stop the Grizzlies. Avon takes over on its own thanks to all-world linebacker Ryan Stolarski and defensive back Grant Barr.
Wadsworth driving against Avon
The Grizzlies forced another three and out. It’s 7-7 with 4:03 left. Wadsworth faces third-and-2 from the Avon 28.
Wadsworth answer’s Avon’s score with a touchdown
Brysen Hall didn’t show any ill effect from the opening drive interception. He drove Wadsworth 62 yards on four plays and hit Luke Maddox on a 21-yard touchdown pass. It’s 7-7 with 7:35 left in the first quarter.
Avon defense comes up strong against Wadsworth
JaIrel Fenton sat on Wadsworth’s route and jumped Brysen Hall’s throw for a 48-yard interception for touchdown. Avon leads 7-0 with 10:02 left in the first quarter.
Wadsworth defense holds Avon on opening drive
The Grizzlies forced a three-and-out and take over on their own 27. It’s scoreless with 10:21 left in the first quarter.
Avon football’s projected starters
Wadsworth football’s projected starters
The rich OHSAA football playoff history of Wadsworth, Avon
This is the 17th playoff appearance and fourth consecutive for the Grizzlies, who opened Week 12 with a 34-6 win over No. 7 Toledo St. Francis de Sales.
This is the 18th consecutive playoff appearance and 15th straight for the Eagles, who are the reigning state champions, were runners-up in 2011 and have reached nine state semifinals. … This is a regional semifinal rematch from last season, won 41-10 by Avon.
Avon High School football players to watch
The Eagles are led by All-Northeast Lakes Offensive Player of the Year Blake Elder. The senior quarterback is 144-for-210 for 2,391 yards passing and has thrown 28 touchdowns against just three interceptions.
First-team all-district wide receiver Grant Barr (52 receptions, 846 yards, 10 TDS, 2 two-point conversions), Fin Jerdonek (35 receptions, 531 yards, seven TDs) and Caden Clapham (19 receptions, 343 yards, four TDs) are his primary receivers.
The Eagles are a run-by-committee group. Michael Colburn (75 carries, 381, seven TDS), Quiante Smith (50 carries, 266 yards, five TDS) and Cam Wendell (47 carries, 190 yards, eight TDS) are the stars.
All-Northeast Lakes Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Stolarski is a beast at linebacker. The senior and Miami (Ohio) commit has 61 tackles, seven for loss, four sacks, four quarterback pressures, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble and interception. North Carolina commit Jakob Weatherspoon (43 tackles, one for loss, interception, three pass breakups) has shut down everyone this season. Avon allows 10.1 points per game.
Wadsworth High School football players to watch
The Grizzlies are led by Suburban League National Conference Offensive Player of the Year Gavin Madigan (102 carries, 1,102 yards, 21 TDs) and Cooper Gray (142 carries, 1,131 yards, 17 TDs) on the ground.
Pay too much attention to the run and the passing game of Brysen Hall (115-for-174, 2, 271 yards, 27 TDs, two interceptions) and Calix Lemp (41 receptions, 971 yards, 15 TDs) will get you.
SL National Conference Co-defensive Player of the Year and senior linebacker Jacob Earnest (63.5 tackles, 10 for loss, two sacks, nine quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, interception, defensive TD) is the head of a defense that gives up 9.6 points per game.
Avon football scores, schedule
Wadsworth football scores, schedule
Bold denotes playoff game
Brad Bournival can be reached by email at bbournival@gannett.com and is on Twitter at @bbournival.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: OHSAA football playoffs scores, Avon vs. Wadsworth High School live updates, highlights
Reporting by Brad Bournival, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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