AVA, Mo. — Dan Swofford made it clear: he is no different than any other small-town football coach.
"You do nothing but expect the best from them," he said. "My bar is always high. I'm usually not very happy, and that's by design in a way. I expect these guys to work hard."
Head Coach: Dan Swofford
2015 Record: 7-4
Key Players: Colton Skyles (OL/LB), Kelly McDonald (RB/LB), Eli Maggard (RB/DE), Caleb Johnson (QB/DB), Brandon Johnson (OL/DL)
Ava finished fourth in the South Central Association last year behind a trio of district champions. They lost their leading tackler and senior quarterback, but have talent with Friday night experience.
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It starts with sophomore signal caller Caleb Johnson, who split time at quarterback last season. A two-way player in the secondary, he's shown the ability to take off through gaps along with a reliable arm.
Swofford expects him to be the catalyst for this offense.
"He's one of those guys who's been special from the time he stepped onto the field or the court. I expect a lot of great things from him. He's not really tall, but he throws the ball very well. He's just a sophmore, but he's always been a natural leader."
He'll line up behind a relatively new offensive line, but will have the luxury of a senior All-Conference center in Colton Skyles.
"He's another guy who isn't really big, when you think of an offensive lineman, but has great feet, moves well, and has a great mind. He's our anchor and a great leader. "
Swofford said the line has been through some injuries that have kept guys out of camp, so he expects things to improve once they return.
"We've got some young guys coming on that are meeting my expectations. We're making a few mistakes, but that's to be expected this time of year."
Kelly McDonald and Eli Maggard combined for 484 yards on 47 carries as juniors in 2015 and should be key pieces in a serviceable offensive unit.
"Nobody is outstanding, but I've got about four or five guys that are just really solid football players. I love them to death. That's just what we like."
With another tough conference slate ahead, Swofford said there will be more rebuilding ahead, but still expect to see the usual hard-nosed Bears.
"I say every year: I've got a bunch of little country kids who like to play football. They're tough and they may not be the fastest or strongest, but they get it done, they try hard, and we will compete every Friday night."
Ava hosts Marshfield to open the season on Aug. 19.
