By Chris Parker
Ava was the team to beat in the SCA last season running the table on the way to conference and district titles. The Bears lost to eventual Class 3 state runner-up Seneca in the state quarterfinal round to finish 11-1 overall.
This year, the Bears bring back five starters on each side of the ball. Offense will be a strength for the team.
“We believe we will be explosive offensively,” Ava head coach Casey Merrifield said. “We lost a lot of speed but feel like we have replaced it and are capable of making a ton of big plays.”
Leading that explosive offense will be second-team all-state running back Hunter Adams. Adams, who missed much of his sophomore year due to injury, came back as good as ever last year. He took 206 carries for 1,712 yards and 27 touchdowns.
“He is a rare kid that I always knew would make it back. He has earned everything with his incredible work ethic, and it was amazing to just watch him attack the process,” Merrifield said.
Adams will also play linebacker and handle kicking and punting duties.
Thomas Merritt and Jordan Hutchison will also see time at running back.
Aiden Lane returns at quarterback in his junior season. He threw for 445 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 460 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore.
He should take a big step forward as a junior.
“Aiden Lane will take huge strides as a junior and a leader on this team,” Merrifield said. “He has transformed from an operator to a game changer.”
Ava doesn’t throw the ball often, but when the Bears do it will be Grant Swatosh and Leroy Horinek out at wide receiver with the ability to slide down to tight end.
Up front, Ava graduated a pair of all-conference offensive linemen but do return three starters including All-SCA honoree Ryder Johnson.
“He (Johnson) will be counted on to be the vocal leader and keep the group motivated,” Merrifield said. “Ryder is a big kid, but the most important thing about him is he has amazing feet. He uses his quick feet to improve angles on all plays.”
Ryan Corrigan and Logan Churchill also return as starters to the offensive line. Siler Willis, Ben Stewart, Kale Hall and Thomas Brown will all be competing for time on the offensive line.
Defensively, Johnson, Willis, Corrigan, Hall and Jeremiah Browning will be on the defensive line.
The linebacking corps will feature Horinek, Adams and Hutchison.
The secondary will be led by Merritt coming off an All-SCA selection last season.
“Thomas is the quarterback of our defense. He understands everything and ensures everyone is in the right spot,” Merrifield said.
Lane and Swatosh will also have big roles in the secondary.
“Grant Swatosh will be a game wrecker on defense,” Merrifield said. “He is a sophomore and will be an impact player for us.”
Kyle Pitts, Jacob Laub and Kell Abraham will compete for time in the secondary as well.
Championships are the established standard at Ava and that standard will not change this season.
“We believe this is a championship caliber team and play to compete for conference and district championships,” Merrifield said.
Ava opens the season at Buffalo before hosting Logan-Rogersville in Week 2.
