When it comes to football in Avon, the Eagles don’t have rebuilding years. All they do is reload.
Despite losing 15 starters from its 12-2 Division II, Region 6 finalist team, the message and goals remain the same as they introduce a new generation of Avon football.
“The team goals generally don’t change. It is to win a (Southwestern Conference) championship, go in the playoffs and win a state championship. We set our goals high (at Avon),” Avon coach Mike Elder said.
From the new generation to the old, Division I recruits will lead the way emotionally and by example. Paul Balazy, Jakorion Caffey, Luke Hamilton, Evan Huff, Matthew Muir, Cole Paonessa and Connor Rowlison were selected as 2023 team captains. Together they have the responsibility to lead this year’s team.
“Being a captain, I kind of have to (be more vocal),” Hamilton said. “This year, I have been trying to give pre-game speeches and getting people hype. That is fun for me this year, because they are my brothers and I want to lead them. Them picking me as a captain was an honor and I have to step up as a vocal leader now.”
Deja vu-like feeling is in the air at Avon. The feeling of the unknown circles around the Avon camp, as new players make the jump to varsity football. Elder isn’t willing to bet against his program,which sprouts talented athletes.
“I would say that we are reloading every year,” Elder said. “That is the goal. When players graduate, they are learning from them and they are learning the same process that is laid out to them by coaches. In the end, I feel like our players are doing a really good job.”
Offensively, the Eagles bring back four starters on the offensive line, one of whom is Hamilton, who committed to Michigan. In the backfield is senior running back Jakorion Caffey, who committed to the University of Cincinnati over the summer.
Avon running back Jakorion Caffey commits to University of Cincinnati
Caffey enters the season as the Eagles' fourth all-time leading rusher at 3,051 yards. Bob LaRosa (3,860 rushing yards) is the record holder.
"(Caffey), in my opinion, is the top running back in the state," Hamilton said. "I know that recruiting services don't give him that respect. But with my eyes, that is what I see. With the (offensive line) that we have this year. We are all nasty. If we all do our job, he will run for record-breaking yards."
Joining Hamilton on the offensive line are Matt Muir, Matt Alspach, Connor Bingham and Trent Jeske. Hamilton loves the offensive line's experience, as well as its mean streak.
"All of us have the same mindset, which is that we want to bury people. I know Matt (Muir) has that. Me and Matt fit the same persona. Trent (Jeske) is hot-headed and Alspach is the same way. Having that with (Caffey) in the backfield is a big thing. We will open up the wholes and he will hit them."
Avon's goals are always to balance the offense's options. If the Eagles are unable to throw the ball effectively, teams can load the box to the run, which could put pressure on a passing attack devoid of varsity playing time experience.
"I definitely think that we can be balanced this year," Caffey said. "With (quarterback) Nolan (Good) stepping up, we may need to run first, but we can't run all the time. There are going to be games that we are going to need to pass the ball. We know that some teams are going (game plan against the run) and we are going to have to pass the ball. I think we will get there, but even if it's a process, I think we will get there. Nolan is definitely capable of getting (the job done)."
Good will start for the Eagles. He is described as an athlete with raw talent. With a highly touted basketball and starting defensive back background, Good uses his athleticism to become a dual-threat quarterback.
"Nolan Good is ultra-athletic," Elder said. "He has an ability to run it and throw it. We will build around that, but we will have some dynamic guys on the edges too. I hope that we have a physical offense, because that is what we always have been."
The 2023 season will be Good's first year at quarterback. He replaces Division II first-team All-Ohioan Sam DeTillio (Case Western Reserve University).
"(Being Avon's quarterback) is special," he said. "This is something that any quarterback in the youth program really dreams about, playing on Friday night with all of the kids that you have been able to grow up with. Those memories that you create with teammates are something that you will remember for the rest of your life."
Other than Good, Paonessa is the only full-time starter to return to the lineup. However, former rotational players such as Rowlison, Carson Canning and Jack Hrivovec will make the step up. Hamilton could also be seen in the trenches.
"All of our players are super fast. Even our defensive linemen can run a 4.60 (40-yard dash). Our linebackers can go sideline-to-sideline," Rowlison said. "The speed only helps us flying sideline-to-sideline. All of us are confident thanks to the (coaching staff). We can fly downhill and fly back if it's a pass."
Rowlison is a Division I recruit who recently received an offer from Holy Cross, which also knabbed former Eagle Cam Santee.
"(Rowlison) is long and is over 6-foot-2 and he weighs over 215 pounds. He has worked hard on his body and his strength," Elder said. "He is ultra-athletic. As a defender, he will strike you and run through you. He is good at putting people to the ground and has a physicality that colleges are looking for."
Avon's three out-of-conference games will start off with Brunswick on Aug. 18 and will follow up at Canton McKinley and Glenville (2022 Division IV state champion).
Elder said the league has numerous quality teams, who could threaten Avon as it goes for its eighth straight SWC championship.
"At the end of the day, (the SWC) is a great league," Elder said. "(Avon) Lake is always talented. They play us Week 10 and we are excited about that. I think Berea-Midpark has a really good team coming back and North Ridgeville is much improved. Olmsted Falls is the standard of physicality. If you don't work hard in the weight room in the offseason, you won't be able to stop (the Wing-T). ... There is no game where you think that you can show up and win in the SWC. That's not how it works."
According to Hamilton and Caffey, the rumbling of a potential down-year at Avon gives them an extra sense of urgency for their senior year.
"I like having a chip on my shoulder, because it gives me something to work for and it gives us something to look forward to. It gives us a reason to shut people up, honestly. I like the pressure that comes with it and gives me an edge," Caffey said.
