The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Avon looks to rebound after week 2 loss
Week 3 presents some opportunities, as Midview and Firelands each look to grab their first win of the season and more.
ELYRIA AT LORAIN
What: Non-conference game
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 3 Where: George Daniel Field Records: Elyria 2-0, Lorain 0-2
Last meeting: Lorain 25, Elyria 8
For the record: One of the oldest rivalries in not only Lorain County, but the entire state of Ohio will add another chapter on Sept. 3. This one will be a bit different though as Lorain is still acclimating to the football field after a year away. Meanwhile, Elyria looks as strong as it has in a long time, led by a fast defense and an explosive running game. The old saying with rivalry games is that you can throw the records out the window when two rivals play, that probably isn’t the case in this one. It’s as simple as Elyria having the numbers that Lorain doesn’t. That’s not to say this game can’t be competitive, as Lorain has improved in their first two games of the season.
VERMILION AT FIRELANDS
What: Non-conference game
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 3 Where: Firelands Field Records: Vermilion 1-1, Firelands 0-2
Last year: Firelands 42, Vermilion 27
For the record: Both teams in this game are coming off of pretty lopsided defeats, making this the ultimate get-right game. … Vermilion was shut out by Columbia in Week 2 after a season opening win over Margaretta. The Sailors defense starred in that Week 1 win and they’ll need it to show up again if they want to beat Firelands. … The Falcons offense — led by Kyle Ransom — is seemingly ready for a breakout performance. The Falcons were trounced by Rocky River a week ago, but Ransom had a solid game, running for nearly 100 yards. … This one will come down to which team receives a strong performance from their offense. The Sailors haven’t inspired much confidence so far with their offensive performances, meaning it’ll be up to quarterback Ben Rini to kickstart things on that end for Vermilion.
ELYRIA CATHOLIC AT MIDVIEW
What: Non-conference game
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 3 Where: Ross Field at Adelsberg Stadium
Records: Elyria Catholic 1-1, Midview 0-2
Last year: N/A
For the record: Elyria Catholic’s offense exploded in a big way last week. The Panthers dropped 68-points on their new turf at Dan Reaser stadium, moving past a Week 1loss to their rivals from Elyria. Running back Levi Ellis toppled the 200 yard mark and quarterback Brady Cook was impressive in the win. They’ll look to do the same this week as they take on a tough Midview team that gave Strongsville a run in Week 2. … The Middies are playing without their starting quarterback — Ethan Surdock — who broke his arm during a Week 1 game against Rocky River. Surdock’s replacement, junior Marc Reed, has been solid in relief. Reed threw for 213yards in the Week 2loss and helped keep the Middies in the game against the Mustangs. … Don’t expect another 68-point game from the Panthers in this one as the Middies boast a solid defense, but the Panthers should be able to walk away victorious in this one.
GLENVILLE AT AVON
What: Non-conference game
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 3 Where: Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet Stadium Records: Glenville 0-2, Avon 1-1 Last year: N/A
For the record: Avon’s loss to Medina in Week 2 snapped a 24-game regular season winning streak, dating back to 2018. The Eagles will have the opportunity to start that streak back up as they host Glenville in their last non-conference game of the year. … Avon’s offense will need to improve if they want that streak to return. The Eagles are young on that side of the ball and failed to move the chains in some key spots against Medina. They won’t have the luxury of an easy game for a while as after Glenville, their rivals from Avon Lake come to town. … A win would not only boost the confidence of a young Avon team, it would give its head coach his 200th win. Mike Elder has led the Eagles to an impressive run of success over his tenure with the school. Avon has reached five straight state semifinals under Elder and are ten years removed from their first and only state title game appearance.