Avon has been driven to prove a point it is balanced on offense.
When the situation calls for it, the Eagles have proven effective running and passing, leaving defenses such as Olmsted Falls between a rock and a hard place in a 63-42 win over the Bulldogs on Sept. 30.
Avon vs. Olmsted Falls football: Eagles takes first place in SWC with win over Olmsted Falls
"I think (the Olmsted Falls) win was a big step for our offense this whole season," Avon quarterback Sam DeTillio said. "We started off a little slow and I think we are starting to kick it up and get things rolling."
The backfield is led with Jakorion Caffey, who rushed for 279 yards against Olmsted Falls. The duo between him and Gavin Ehrhardt in the backfield forces defense to stack the box.
Caffey scores 3rd TD from 51yds
Avon extends their lead to 63-42 in Q4 @avoneagles @MJournalSports @OFalls_Bulldogs pic.twitter.com/hdA2VPIZdj
— Mark Perez-Krywany (@MarkPerezK10) October 1, 2022
Once safeties creep into the box to help on running plays, DeTillio, the returning All-Ohioan quarterback. and outside weapons get opportunities down the field.
Avon scored over 40 points in wins over Medina, Avon Lake, Elyria and North Ridgeville, but DeTillio saw everything click in the 48-6 win over Elyria.
"We always start off slow in the first half and in the second half, we get rolling," he said. "After that Elyria game and we played North Ridgeville, we started off hot and I think that carried into (the Olmsted Falls game)."
Avon wide receiver Ethan Holbrook has been red hot for the Eagles. He followed up his six catches, 152 receiving yards and touchdown against the Rangers with 10 catches, 208 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions.
DeTillio hooks up with Holbrook for their second touchdown
Ethan brings it in with one hand 🤚
Eagles lead 21-14 in Q2@avoneagles @OFalls_Bulldogs @MJournalSports pic.twitter.com/odOHBNFwRC
— Mark Perez-Krywany (@MarkPerezK10) September 30, 2022
"Our run game was very dominant (in 2021) and that was what pushed us over the edge and won with (Caffey and Ehrhardt)," Holbrook said. "(Against Olmsted Falls), we were able to pass and the (offensive) line blocked great. I was able to get open and get some touchdowns. Sam (DeTillio) was throwing the ball really well, and that opened up the ball for (Caffey and Ehrhardt) in the end. They had some huge runs and touchdowns."
The OHSAA keeps record of any player with five or more touchdown receptions with no Eagles' player doing so, which would make his performance a school record.
Avon's wide receiver Ethan Holbrook's 5 TDs against Olmsted Falls is eligible for the OHSAA record book with NO other Eagle (Per OHSAA) accomplishing the same feat. @avoneagles @MJournalSports @OHSAASports pic.twitter.com/nIoz8HAoO3
— Mark Perez-Krywany (@MarkPerezK10) October 1, 2022
Olmsted Falls came into the game with one of the best defenses in the area with 61 points allowed before Avon put up 63.
"Execution-wise, we need to get a lot better on defense," Olmsted Falls coach Tom DeLuca said. "(Avon) exposed us in some areas and they had a great night throwing the ball on us. We need to make sure that in those opportunities (we are in) good position to play on whatever (Avon's) scheme comes up with."
After a slow start to his senior season, DeTillio has thrown back-to-back 300-plus passing yard performances with 10 touchdowns in the process.
"(DeTillio) is so smart," Avon coach Mike Elder said. "He makes such good decisions. That is the piece that people don't understand. Early on in the year, he didn't play well. It took him a while to get his feet under him, but he is playing at a high level now. He threw some balls that were just perfect (against Olmsted Falls)."
Touchdown Holbrook!
Five touchdown catches for the Eagle! 185 receiving yards! @avoneagles @MJournalSports @OFalls_Bulldogs pic.twitter.com/UxcC6WD3eK
— Mark Perez-Krywany (@MarkPerezK10) October 1, 2022
Elder is happy with the offensive progress, but believes the offense is still a work in progress with room for improvement.
"We are getting there (offensively)," he said. "We are a work in progress. We are certainly better than we were in Week 1. (Against Olmsted Falls) was pretty good. Other than the turnovers. We had the ball on the ground a couple of times and thank god we came up with it. There are things to clean up."
Bobbled ball results in Olmsted Falls interception
Bulldogs look to gain momentum in Q3 @avoneagles @MJournalSports @OFalls_Bulldogs pic.twitter.com/l74piJJOTK
— Mark Perez-Krywany (@MarkPerezK10) October 1, 2022
Avon will enter its Week 8 matchup against Berea-Midpark (4-3) undefeated in the Southwestern Conference. The rest of the Eagles' schedule will include Midview (2-6) and Amherst (0-7) as they look to get their seventh straight conference crown.