Just the facts
Conference: Southwestern Conference
OHSAA: Division 2, Region 6
Coach: Matt Kostelnik, seventh year (51-17)
2022: 9-3 (5-2) Division II Region 6 quarterfinalist
Twitter: @coachkostelnik
Home Field: Avon Lake Memorial Stadium
Schedule (subject to change)
Aug. 18: Strongsville at Avon Lake, 7 p.m.
Aug. 24: Avon Lake at Benedictine (at Euclid), 7 p.m.
Sept. 1: Avon Lake at Chardon, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: Berea-MIdpark at Avon Lake, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: Avon Lake at Midview, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: Amherst at Avon Lake, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29: Elyria at Avon Lake, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6: Avon Lake at Olmsted Falls, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: North Ridgeville at Avon Lake, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: Avon Lake at Avon, 7 p.m.
Projected lineup
OFFENSE
QB: Alex Affolter, Jr., 5-11, 175
TB: Wade Nelson*, Sr., 6-0, 170
WR: Luke Stuewe*, Jr., 6-2, 190
WR: Birk Carter*, Sr., 5-9, 155
WR: Derek McCrum*, Sr., 6-2, 180
WR: Aidan Stewart, So., 6-0, 170
LT: Maxwell Riley*, 6-5, 263
LG: Otto Burmeister, 6-1, 235
C: Timmy Kemer, Jr., 6-0, 230
RG: Clay Broadhurst*, 6-1, 240
RT: Joe McNulty*, Jr., 6-3, 240
K: Ian Walsh*, Sr., 6-2, 165
DEFENSE
DE: Carter Sergent*, Sr., 6-3, 220
DT: Thomson Michael, Sr., 6-4, 235
DT: Lewis Gallagher, 6-1, 270
DE: Tyler Fuente, 6-1, 210
LB: Michael Pace*, Sr., 6-2, 180
LB: Felipe Covarrubias, Sr., 6-2, 206
LB: Derek McCrum*, Sr., 6-2, 180
DB: Will Sindelar*, Sr., 5-9, 175
DB: Jake Bova, Sr., 5-10, 177
DB: Nate Haven, Jr., 5-8, 155
DB: Luke Stuewe*, Jr., 6-2, 190
P: Ian Walsh*, Sr., 6-2, 165
*: returning starter; Returning letterwinners: 23
Key reserves: Heron Joseph, DB, Fach Owens, LB, Antony Benedict, RB, Tyler Carter, WR
Best in the classroom: Kevin Baker, 4.0 GPA
Best bench press: Clay Broadhurst, 305
Best 40 time: Luke Stuewe, 4.5 seconds
Best squat: Clay Broadhurst, 435 pounds
Outlook
Avon Lake returns a lot of offensive talent. Even with wide receivers, such as Division I prospects Derek McCrum and Luke Stuewe, they plan to stick with the running game that returns four of its five offensive linemen. Alex Affolter is the projected quarterback for Week 1. The Shoremen lost All-Ohioan talents Avery Viancourt, Keegan Rudduck and Pierden Pepe. A daunting task, but they still have impact players to stop opposing teams as well.
Player to watch
Wade Nelson was arguably the most explosive Shoremen playmaker, including a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Avon. His season was cut short due to injury, but he has fully recovered and will be one of three featured tail backs in Avon Lake’s offense. When the ball touches his hands, expect good things to happen.
Underclassman to watch: Offensive tackle Maxwell Riley has quickly risen to become one of the most highly recruited sophomores in the country. Few offensive linemen have the combination of footwork and size. He enters this season as a second-year starter who has offers from juggernauts in the Big Ten (Ohio State and Michigan) and several programs in the SEC and ACC. He visited Clemson’s campus over the summer.
Bottom Line
IF: the team puts Affolter in positions to succeed, THEN: Avon Lake should be serious a contender in the SWC and Division II, Region 6.
