Hoban vs. Avon | 5 things to know about this Ohio high school football state semifinal
There were five Greater Akron area high school football teams dreaming about a state championship last week at this time.
Now there is one: Hoban.
It’s a place the Knights (12-1) have expected to reach almost every season. This season, it’s a Division II state semifinal against Avon (14-0).
Here’s a look at the past for both teams with a deep dive into head coaches, players and also a look ahead.
Avon and Hoban football know how to get it done
These two programs are no strangers to the state final four or to each other for that matter.
Hoban is in the playoffs for the 19th time where it holds a 56-13 record. The Knights have reached the state semifinals 10 times (2002, 2008, 2015-18, 2020-23) and the finals won it five times (2020, 2015-18). They’ve won titles in 2015-18 and 2020.
Avon is in the playoffs for the 17th time and has a 37-16 postseason record. The Eagles have reached the state semifinals eight times (1996, 2011, 2017-20, 2023) and finished second in 2011.
This will be the fifth time the two have met in the state semifinals, with Hoban winning each previous time in 2021, 2020, 2018 and 2017.
Avon, Hoban coaches know how to win in the OHSAA playoffs
As you might expect, Eagles coach Mike Elder and Knights coach Tim Tyrrell know a little bit about success.
Elder was an All-American offensive tackle for Mount Union in 1992 and has coached at Gnadenhutten Indian Valley, Southeast and Perry before coming to Avon, where he has been the last 17 seasons. He’s been to the playoffs 18 times, and 16 of those have come with the Eagles. He holds a 236-53 career record and is 186-30 at Avon.
Tyrrell played on three national championship teams for Youngstown State (1993, 1994, 1997) and was a graduate assistant for the Penguins.
He has coached at St. Thomas Aquinas, Chaminade-Madonna College Prep (Hollywood, Fla.) and Hoban, and his teams have made the playoffs 13 times. He has reached the state semifinals nine times and won five state titles. He holds a 193-72 career record and is 128-21 with the Knights.
Avon and Hoban are all over the Northeast Lakes and Inland all-district teams
As you might imagine, there are no shortages of names when it comes to the all-district teams from both schools.
All told, 30 players made the team in their respective regions. Avon accounts for 15 of those selections, including Northeast Lake Offensive Player of the Year offensive tackle Luke Hamilton, who is a Michigan commit, and Defensive Player of the Year safety Carson Canning.
Injured quarterback Nolan Good (broken collarbone), Cincinnati commit running back Jakorian Caffey, wide receiver Matt Maxey, offensive lineman Matt Muir and safety Connor Rowlinson made first team.
Wide receiver Cole Kepner, kicker Owen Warrick, linebacker Cole Paonessa, defensive end Jack Hricovec and cornerback Jakob Weatherspoon were second team. Jeremiah Kelly, Owen Garcia and Sam Toniolo earned honorable mention nods.
Hoban is led by Northeast Inland co-Offensive Player of the year William Satterwhite at tackle and Defensive player of the year Jordan Pritchard-Sewell at tackle. Center Nate Cross, running back Caleb Jones, defensive end Devin Bell, linebackers Eli Lee and Rickey Williams, cornerback Elbert Hill IV, safety Tysen Campbell and punter Ryan Burns are also first team.
Wide receiver Payton Cook and defensive end Tanner Mintz are second team. Brayton Feister, Jvon Lindsey, Tylan Boykin and Caleb Schlater earned honorable mention.
Defense is where it’s at for Avon, Hoban in the OHSAA playoffs
The 14 points the Eagles gave up were the fourth most the team has allowed this season. The most was 28 against Amherst in a 63-28 win.
They’ve held opponents to 10 points or less 10 times and have shutouts against Berea-Midpark, Avon Lake and Toledo St. John’s Jesuit.
Opponents score 9.4 points per game against Avon, which has finished with a running clock nine times.
The Knights have never given up more than 16 points and have shutouts over East, St. Ignatius and Riverside. They’ve also held teams to 10 points or less nine times.
Opponents score 7.2 points per game against Hoban, which has finished with seven running clocks.
Who would Avon or Hoban play in OHSAA Division II state final?
The other state semifinal is being played at Historic Columbus Crew Stadium and pits Region 7 champion Massillon (14-0) against Region 8 champion Cincinnati Anderson (13-1). That game is also slated for 7 p.m. Friday.
The Tigers are in their 16th state semifinal are seeking their first state title. They’ve finished second in 1980, 1982, 2005 and 2018-20. The Raptors are in their third final four. They were first in 2007 and second in 2008.
The Division II state title game will be played at 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
Contact Brad Bournival at bbournival@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: OHSAA football: What to know about the Avon-Hoban state semifinal
