[Eric Frantz]

Avon (10-1, D-II R6 Quarterfinalist)

* Players to Watch –LB Bryan Cox, Jr. (6-3, 238, Sr.), FB/LB Cory Furnas (5-11, 200, Sr.), TE/DE Tyler Lance (6-2, 215, Sr.), FB/LB Matt Tomlin (5-11, 195, Sr.), QB Justin O’Rourke (5-10, 170, Sr.), RB/DB Ross Douglass (5-10, 180, Jr.), K Brad Young (5-9, 165, Sr.), DL Alex Kelly (6-1, 240, Jr.); DB Ralph Smith (5-9, 165, Jr.), TE/DE Greg Harrison (6-1, 225, Sr.); WR/DB Matt Holkenborg (5-9, 185, Sr.), OL Ryan Bryne (6-2, 315, Sr.), OL Will Miller (5-11, 215, Sr.), WR/DB Jacob Mullins (5-11, 165, Sr.)

* Outlook – The Eagles earned the No. 1 seed in the R6 playoffs last year but lost to Sandusky 42-35 in the first round. Another postseason trip is attainable. O’Rourke becomes the full-time starter after throwing for 511 yards and seven TDs in part-time duty. Eckhardt posted solid numbers last year (40 receptions, 760 yards and 10 TDs) as did Douglass (105 carries, 704 yards and nine TDs). On defense, Cox (offers from Michigan State, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Syracuse, Vanderbit, North Carolina and others) spearheads a seasoned group that includes Kelly (37 tackles, six sacks), Furnas (66 tackles), Tomlin (70 tackles, nine TFL), Lance (22 tackles), Holkenorg (33 tackles), Harrison (20 tackles, five TFL), Mullins (three INTs) and Smith (24 tackles, two INTs). Two new opponents – Elyria Catholic and Mentor Lake Catholic – make things that much tougher.

[cjb56]

Bryan Cox Jr. has taken his talents to South Beach. His dad got a job on the Dolphins coaching staff, so Cox Jr. is moving down there for his senior year.

It is a loss for Avon, as he was poised to have a big senior season...but Avon is still loaded on the d-line with Alex Kelly, Greg Harrison, Tyler Lance and Jeremiah Burris.

O'Rourke should do a nice job at QB, and Douglas should make the quantum leap to a 1,200 to 1,500 yard RB.

Avon made too many mistakes in that Sandusky game, and it cost them. They were young, though, and I expect a much deeper playoff run this season. If they stay injury-free AND O'Rourke handles the QB job at a high level, this team has all the ingredients to go all the way in D2. The schedule should have them prepared.