By Chris Parker
Ava football came up one game short of completing a dream undefeated season in a 49-0 loss to Lutheran North in the Class 2 state title game.
The loss didn’t take away that this was a truly historic season for Ava.
“We were playing against a very special team. We knew that coming into this game what we were facing would be a tough game for us. Their players are so athletic and so strong. It was kind of a David and Goliath thing going on out there,” Ava head coach Dan Swofford said. “I am very proud of players. We were very happy we could be here. We were fortunate enough to get to play a special team like Lutheran North. I am just happy about our team’s season and how our kids have grown as players and young men.”
In the stands, the Bears were fully supported by a large and loud group of fans who made the trip to Columbia, which has been the case for the whole season.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
“I don’t even if I know if I can describe our town and how they have treated us since we have gone on this run. We have been blessed to win several games the last few years. Every year it gets a little more special. This year after the Lamar game when we got in there was like a homecoming parade. The streets were lined with people. We were escorted in by the police. It was almost like a big town party,” Swofford said. “Kids don’t get to go through that very often. Coaches don’t get to go through that very often. It brought our community together. That is one thing my wife and me always talk about and pray about. We want football to bring our community together and that is just what it did.”
Ava went as far as to cancel school on Friday so the Bears could have the full support of the town behind them in Coumbia.
“The community support is just crazy. You don’t really see that in bigger towns. Small town football, I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Kayden Myers said.
Nine Bears played their final game for Ava on Saturday. It is a senior group that leaves a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.
“They have played 51 high school football games in their careers. Basically they have played a full season and more than what most high school kids play in a career. The legacy is that they are the winningest class to ever come through Ava high school. They are the only team to ever make it to the state championship at Ava high school. Their legacy was set. It will live a long time,” Swofford said. “We hope we will get back here again, but right now we will remember these guys and what they did, how they led their team and brought their community together.”
Ava finished the season with a 14-1 overall record for the best season in school history.
