Avon High School Rugby Headed to Final Four

rugby team hasn’t been used to playing tight games this season and perhaps playing at home for the first time spooked them a little, but as they say, winning cures all ills and puts the ghosts safely behind.

The Eagles extended a nervy one-point halftime lead to defeat Shaker Heights, 17-6, on Wednesday and remain unbeaten as they advanced to the Division II Final Four.

Seniors Joe Hamilton and Alex Nielsen and sophomore Billy Ritchie scored and senior Kyle Lavelle made a conversion kick for the Eagles (8-0) who have had a team at the high school for last three years.

Avon will face Indian Springs of Dayton, the state’s only other undefeated Division II team, at Hudson on Saturday for the right to go to Columbus for the championship game next Friday.

Success has been a truly nice experience for the Avon gang.

“When we have games, they come to school in their rugby shorts and a shirt and tie,” first-year head coach Scott Liechty, 25, said. “I think they have a lot of fun. I'm super excited."