AVON, Ohio -- Defending OHSAA Division II state champion Avon secured a decisive 40-14 victory over St. Ignatius on Thursday night in the high school football season opener at Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet Stadium.

The game's momentum shifted dramatically to start the third quarter with three straight turnovers by the Wildcats. Avon scored twice off those mistakes, including a big interception by North Carolina recruit Jakob Weatherspoon. Watch the video above for highlights and reaction. Here are three takeaways from the recap:

1. About that third quarter

The game was decided by a disastrous start to the third quarter for St. Ignatius, which turned the ball over on three straight possessions. It started with a botched snap on the first play. Avon converted the following two turnovers into touchdowns, rapidly expanding a slim seven-point lead into a 20-point advantage that put the game out of reach.

2. Avon's defense and opportunistic offense

Avon's defense was a dominant force, particularly in the second half, holding St. Ignatius to just 201 total yards and forcing four turnovers. The Eagles' offense, led by quarterback Blake Elder, capitalized on the excellent field position created by the takeaways to score efficiently and seal the victory.

3. Key performances for Avon

In his first start, Elder threw for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Weatherspoon provided a major spark with a crucial interception that directly led to a touchdown and shifted the game's momentum. Weatherspoon added two receptions on offense for 53 yards. Senior cornerback Alex Rivera added a handful of big hits in the first half to spark Avon's defense, as well.