AVON, Ohio — It may have been Thanksgiving, but there was no holiday off for one northeast Ohio football team on its quest for a state championship.
What You Need To Know
- The Avon High School football team is on a quest to become state champs
- Because a playoff game is the day after Thanksgiving, the team practiced on the holiday and enjoyed a community meal
- The Avon Eagles will face-off against the Archbishop Hoban Knights of Akron on Friday at 7 p.m.
Following football practice Thursday, players on the Avon High School football team gathered with family, alumni and community members for a special breakfast, wveryone hoping the potluck helps bring some luck to the Eagles.
“It’s about bringing the community together,” said Claudia Vakos. “It’s not just about the game, it’s about everyone and the culture.”
Vakos served potatoes and egg bakes during the meal, alongside some heaping helpings of encouragement.
Her son, Nathanial, a senior, is the kicker and punter for the team.
“Winning the game’s awesome, but everybody looks forward to this moment,” he said of the importance of the holiday feast.
It’s a tradition when the team makes it to this point in the postseason.
“It’s a home-grown community,” Nathanial said. “We love spending time together. I don’t think anybody else would want to be anywhere else at this moment in time.”
The meal was a family reunion, bringing back former players and folks in the community to share in the season’s success so far.
“Walking into this gym is like walking into a portal,” said Isidor Hadgis. “Everybody in Avon, in the community, is here at one time enjoying this meal, enjoying how far we’ve came.”
Players like Hadgis, a senior defensive end, are grateful for the support.
“The life lessons that we learn with these guys, it’s wild,” he said. “And, like, the coaches here are so inspirational and they give you so much to work with in life.”
Everyone came together to help nourish bodies and souls.
“It warms your heart,” said Claudia Vakos. “You want your babies with you and you want everybody else’s babies to be happy. Just excited for the event. Not just to play on the field, but also to all be together.”
They want to score a win for the community.
“I’m really thankful for what this game has taught me and how much I’ve learned from it,” said Hadgis.
The Eagles face the Archbishop Hoban Knights of Akron on Friday at 7 p.m.
