1982 Shoremen Football Team

The "Swarmin' Shoremen" of 1982, coached by Don Soltis, won a Southwestern Conference championship for a second-straight season. With an offense the 1982-83 yearbook observed as being "predictable yet unstoppable," Avon Lake racked up nine wins and one loss and fell a few computer points shy of qualifying for the state playoffs after a convincing 33- 14 win over Fairview in the finale.

Avon Lake's only loss that year proved to be a costly one. Starting quarterback Roger Beck went down with a broken leg in a 21-7 loss in week five to the Demons. The Shoremen picked up the pieces with a 14-7 victory over Medina the following week and never lost another game.

First team All-Ohio running back and Lorain County Golden Helmet Award winner John Berner (1,572 yards, 5.1 yards per carry), who set a school record of 309 can-ies that season, paced the offense. He was helped out by end Ron Cherni and tackle Shawn Reilley, both All-SWC first team selections. Fullback John McClenahan, guard Doug Klimkowski and end Rocky Ganelli earned second-team All-SWC awards.

The Shoremen, who averaged 19.2 points a game that season, benefited from a defense that allowed just 11.1 points per game. Known for its hard-hitting style, Avon Lake held all but two opponents to 14 points or less with two shutouts, one in a 6-0 nail-biter in week three over Midpark. Defensive back Andy Schillinger advanced to the top of the school record books that year with his 12th career interception and earned team and conference MVP honors. Schillinger, tackle Bryan Tyler and linebacker Dave Napier earned first team All-SWC awards. Defensive back John Moir and linebacker Bob Macura were awarded All-SWC second team honors.

Berner, Reilley and Schillinger earned Lorain County MVP honors as well.