CANTON, Ohio — Blake Elder took a few pictures with the state championship trophy before returning to his teammates and leaving Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on Thursday night in Canton.

His father and coach, Mike Elder, gave him one more hug before they left. Elder told his son he is proud of him.

Blake had just thrown four touchdown passes, all in the first half of Avon’s 37-20 win against Cincinnati Anderson for the OHSAA Division II football state title. With it, Elder tied a Division II state championship game record for most touchdown passes.

“It’s so special,” the younger Elder said. “I can’t do any of this without the people beside me. I just can’t believe it yet.”

How Avon turned up the heat to win its second straight state championship (video) Dec. 5, 2025, 1:58a.m.

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