Just the facts
Conference: Southwestern Conference
OHSAA: Division 2, Region 6
Coach: Mike Elder, 17th year (172-30)
2022: 12-2 (7-0) Division II Region 6 finalist
Twitter: @avoneagles
Home Field: Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet Stadium
Schedule (subject to change)
Aug. 18: Brunswick at Avon, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25: Avon at Canton McKinley, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1: Glenville at Avon, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: Avon at Elyria, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: Avon at North Ridgeville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: Olmsted Falls at Avon, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29: Avon at Berea-Midpark, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6: Midview at Avon, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: Avon at Amherst, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: Avon Lake at Avon, 7 p.m.
Projected lineup
OFFENSE
QB: Nolan Good, Jr., 6-1, 195
RB: Jakorion Caffey*, Sr., 5-11, 200
WR: Paul Leftrict, Sr., 5-10, 180
WR: Matt Maxey, Jr., 5-9, 160
WR: Cole Kepner, Jr., 5-10, 160
TE: Evan Huff, Sr., 5-10, 207
LT: Matt Alspach*, Sr., 6-3, 250
LG: Matt Muir*, Sr., 6-2, 244
C: Connor Bingham*, Jr., 6-0, 245
RG: Trent Jeski, Sr., 6-1, 233
RT: Luke Hamilton*, Sr., 6-6, 299
K: Owen Warrick, Jr., 5-8, 131
DEFENSE
NT: Jeramiah Kelly, Jr., 6-2, 275
DT: Jason Gillespie, Jr., 6-1, 241
DE: Jack Hricovec, Jr., 5-9, 240
LB: Cole Poanessa*, Sr., 6-0, 216
LB: Owen Garcia, Jr., 5-9, 190
Star: Ryan Stolarki, So., 6-1, 203
Jack: Hayden Dietrich Sr., 5-10, 172
CB: Jakob Weatherspoon, So., 6-0, 175
CB: Jake Graham, Jr., 5-10, 160
S: Carson Canning*, Sr., 5-11, 180
S: Connor Rowlinson*, Sr., 6-2, 200
P: Jakob Weatherspoon, So., 6-0, 175
*. returning starter; Returning letter winners: 22
Key reserves: Tyler Kauffman, Sam Toniolo, Paul Balazy, Nick Colburn, Nick Wise, Ty Beerbohm
Outlook
Avon has a new look for 2023, but the running game will easily be the team’s strength. The offense will return four linemen and running back Jakorion Caffey, who is a University of Cincinnati commit. Even though Avon’s five-year reign in Division II Region 6 ended, its aspirations go further than regaining the regional crown — they want to win the state championship.
Player to watch
Senior Luke Hamilton is a four-star recruit on 247Sports and the University of Michigan commit to play offensive tackle. Saying he is a dominant presence could be an understatement. He is one of two All-Ohioans to return and will turn Avon into a powerhouse rushing attack.
Underclassman to watch: Junior quarterback Nolan Good will start his first year at quarterback. His athleticism from basketball made him a starting cornerback last year and he will be a dual-threat quarterback behind center. His performance is critical to ensure the balance in the offense.
Bottom Line
IF: Avon’s offense can dominate possession and pass when it needs to; THEN: The Eagles should be Division II Region 6 contenders.
