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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Dan Swofford has built Ava into a juggernaut over the last decade, with the Bears enjoying seven straight winning seasons, three consecutive double-digit win season and three straight district titles.
It all culminated in last year’s Class 2 runner-up finish.
Ava returns just seven starters from last year’s historic run. The program has galvanized the community and brought a sense of pride around the town. And now, the Bears must enter a new phase.
A rebuild.
“After coming off three very good seasons this team will have to find its own identity,” said Swofford. “Every game we play we have got to play lights out just to compete. I told our team that this would be the hardest season they have ever had. Every team we play will play the best football they have played all year against us. So as coaches and players we will have to be prepared.”
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Swofford calls it a rebuild, we’ll compromise and label it a reload because of the talent Ava does return. Swofford, Myers, Bray, etc. have all moved on, so prepare to hear some new names on Friday nights.
Senior Zach Mendel will take over at quarterback. Last year he was an All-SCA pick at defensive back. Swofford applauds his ability to be a great teammate and maintain a high acumen for the game.
He’ll be joined in the backfield by juniors Spencer Skyles and Zach Richards. Skyles rushed for 492 yards and six touchdowns last year. Richards will lineup at fullback.
Both will also see time defensively as well.
“Spencer is a big time play maker,” said Swofford. “He has played since he was a freshman and has the kind of speed to break a big play. Zach will be asked to play a big role as a fullback and defensive back this year. He has great potential to be a player of significance. Hopefully by gaining confidence on Friday nights he will be very good this year.”
The offensive line will be anchored by All-SCA selection James Puepke. He’ll be joined by All-Conference junior Jacob Lakey, classmate Weston Merriett and sophomore Kegan Evans.
It’ll be another physical Ava front.
“James was a great leader for us on the line,” said Swofford. “He made great improvements last year. We look for great things out of him this year. Jacob had a great sophomore year as a center. He will contend to be one of the best offensive linemen in southwest Missouri. He has great strength and exceptional feet.”
Senior Jacob Bruffett will look to lead a re-tooled defense. As a junior he totaled 74 stops, making him the team’s returning leader in that category.
He’ll be joined by classmates Colby Miles and Mason Cole. Miles registered 65 tackles and eight sacks last year, while Cole added 64 stops and nine tackles for loss.
All three will be major cogs for a defense that held 10 opponents to two scores or less last season.
“Jacob is one of greatest young men I have ever coached,” said Swofford. “He is unselfish and will do anything he can to help the team out. He has a lot of experience on the defensive side of the ball, however played both sides of the ball last year as being an undersized offensive lineman. Because of his work ethic he made us a better team.”
“Colby started all 15 games at defensive end last year and will be asked to play both sides of the ball this year,” said Swofford. “He is a great teammate and makes players around him better. Last year was Mason’s first year to ever play football. He will be a force to be reckoned with this year. He has a big motor and with speed and freaky strength he will be an impact player for the Bears.”
Swofford is also excited about the development of several newcomers.
Seniors Aiden Murphy, Bryce Dodson and Brett Coonce, as well as junior Brady Koop and sophomore Kristopher Breeding, will be fighting for reps along the offensive and defensive lines.
Seniors Zach Miller, Peyton Evans and Quiton Donley, as well as juniors Brody Tidwell and Blain Mendel, will be competing for roles at the skill positions on both sides of the ball.
Several are new faces but all could end up playing major minutes this fall. Swofford mentioned dual-sport athletes Mendel and Dodson, who also excel on the basketball court, as two names to keep an eye on.
Never one to duck a big game, Ava will open the season on Aug. 28 at Buffalo. The following Friday night will see a trip to Strafford.
The Bears will play their 2020 home opener on Sep. 11 against rival Mountain Grove.
