DAYTON, Ohio — The undefeated Anderson High School football team will play for a state championship next week in Canton.
Anderson defeated Sunbury Big Walnut 28-24 in a Division II state semifinal Friday night at Welcome Stadium in Dayton.
“Extremely proud,” Anderson coach Evan Dreyer said in a text message Friday night. “After last season our team has worked extremely hard to get to this point. When people set goals and commit to it – it’s an amazing life lesson.”
Anderson (15-0) plays Avon (15-0) in the Division II state final at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. It will be Anderson's first state final appearance since 2008.
"To say that we are proud of this football team is an understatement," Anderson athletic director Chris Newton said. "I would say a couple of things that stick out to me about this team is their time they spend in preparation for their practices and games. They don't take anything for granted and they prepare their bodies in the weight room, their minds in the film room and they put it all together on the practice field."
Anderson was a state semifinalist in 2023. Anderson won the 2007 Division II state championship in Massillon.
Dreyer said the Raptors are proud to represent Anderson Township in Stark County once again. The school plans to have a pep rally or sendoff for the team on Wednesday.
“Our team is going to start preparing for Avon tomorrow,” Dreyer said. “With a short week, we have to heal up and be ready to go. Anderson Township has been waiting for this since 2008.”
Anderson is tied for seventh on the state record list for most points (713) by a team in a season.
Anderson averaged 48.9 points per game entering Friday night.
"The thing that has impressed me the most about these kids are the sacrifices that they make throughout the year," Newton said. "Every member of that team - from the coaches, players, trainers, managers and ball boys give up a lot to be a part of this squad. Their day has started at 5:30 a.m. almost every day for the last year. Their commitment to each other is amazing and the sacrifices they make are incredible."
