By Don Abernathy (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Seneca senior quarterback Gavyn Hoover knew once Ava began to stack the box against the run on Friday, it was time to go over the top.
The Indians had already established their running game, behind senior running back Jackson Marrs, when the game plan switched to include some deep passes to senior receiver Ethan Altic.
The Hoover to Altic connection found huge success as the senior duo connected on a pair of touchdowns in Seneca’s 56-8 Class 3 quarterfinal victory at Silvey Field in Ava.
“We knew they would line up in man defense and that was perfect,” Altic said.
“The plan was to run the ball early and then throw the ball outside to our receivers, go fast, and they couldn’t keep up. I love to go out there and make a play.”
Seneca (12-0) held an early 19-8 lead when Hoover found Altic for a 53-yard pass play to the Ava 2-yard line. After a Seneca touchdown was called back for holding, Hoover connected with Altic again, this time a 14-yard touchdown to extend the score to 27-8 with 27 seconds left in the first half.
“They don’t play a high safety, they play just straight man, so especially when they started bringing defenders down for the run game, then we could really go over the top with the pass,” Hoover said.
“We were successful today because of the hours of work we have put in and the film we watch. I think we are a hard-working group and we go out on Friday night prepared to play.”
The Indians didn’t take long after halftime to get on the board again. On its first play from scrimmage, Hoover once again found a streaking Altic down the left sideline for a 33-8 lead just 3:17 into the second half.
“I’m proud of our kids,” Seneca coach Cody Hilburn said.
“Our kids understand the preparation that goes into being successful. We didn’t just show up here and happen to dominate a football game, these kids worked their tails off to get here and I’m so happy to see it pay off for them.”
The Indians scored on another one-play drive one possession later when Hoover hooked up with senior receiver Blake Skelton for a 37-yard touchdown pass and a 40-8 lead midway through the third quarter.
“We’ve got all the faith in the world in our quarterback and our receivers to go get it,” Hilburn said.
“Ava loaded the box to try to stop our run and we had some one-on-ones out there and we took advantage.”
Ava (11-1) came into the game averaging over 54 points per game, but ran into a buzzsaw that was the Indians’ defense, and scored just one touchdown in the loss.
“Our defense is one of the toughest defenses that I’ve ever seen,” Hoover said. “They watch film, they put in the work, they hit hard, they are very physical, and I wouldn’t want to go against them.”
Hoover finished the game 6-for-9 passing for 193 yards and three touchdowns while Altic had 105 yards receiving and two scores through the air.
Marrs led Seneca with 104 yards rushing on 11 carries and Hoover added 88 yards in the win.
“We have the best O-line in the state,” Altic said. “They are undersized, but they are dogs. They have that dog in them and they don’t let up.”
Junior fullback Hunter Adams led Ava with 62 yards on the ground on 17 rush attempts in the loss.
“Ava has a physical offense and we were nervous about it,” Hillburn said. “They came out and marched down the field, but we didn’t panic. Our coaches did a great job of making adjustments.
“We play in a very physical conference and I think that prepares you for this time of year.
Seneca will host the St. Pius X–Odessa winner on November 25 at home.
“We will be going into that game with a big chip on our shoulder, this next game is important, but it’s not where we want to go,” Altic said.
“We want to go to state.”
