I have not seen any mention of the Lamar-Ava game. Ava is capable of beating any team in Class 2. I know that the Lamar coaching staff and fans are taking Ava seriously. They know how tough Ava can be. The last two quarterfinal meetings between the two have been dogfights with the visiting team winning. I see this years contest as another down to the wire battle between two physical type teams.
I have watched several youtube games of Ava. They are the real deal. They are huge on the line and have four ball carriers that can take it the distance on any given play. They play in a tough, physical conference, the South Central Association that prepares them for big games. They are well coached and run a version of the triple option. I think Lamar can slow them down but, I think Ava will break some for big yardage. They are not a great passing team but, they run, run, run and then all of a sudden catch you cheating in and have a receiver get behind the defense.
As for Lamar, they also like to run the ball. They spread the carries around a little more than Ava, with 7 or 8 different ball carriers getting touches. Like Ava, any of them can take it the distance on any given carry. The line is a bit undersized compared to past Lamar linemen but, they are athletic and physical. They have been smaller than every team they have faced this year. As with Ava, Lamar is well coached and play in the Big 8 West, one of the best small school conferences in the state.
I don't know how Ava is injury wise. I know they had their share of injuries last year. Like every team this time of year, I'm sure they are battling to stay healthy. Lamar has been hit by the injury bug this year, losing a senior offensive lineman to a leg injury on Friday night. But, they should be getting a pair of starters back this week. Both have missed 7 or 8 weeks of action with broken bones. One was an all state first team running back last year. His return could give Lamar a boost.
I have watched several youtube games of Ava. They are the real deal. They are huge on the line and have four ball carriers that can take it the distance on any given play. They play in a tough, physical conference, the South Central Association that prepares them for big games. They are well coached and run a version of the triple option. I think Lamar can slow them down but, I think Ava will break some for big yardage. They are not a great passing team but, they run, run, run and then all of a sudden catch you cheating in and have a receiver get behind the defense.
As for Lamar, they also like to run the ball. They spread the carries around a little more than Ava, with 7 or 8 different ball carriers getting touches. Like Ava, any of them can take it the distance on any given carry. The line is a bit undersized compared to past Lamar linemen but, they are athletic and physical. They have been smaller than every team they have faced this year. As with Ava, Lamar is well coached and play in the Big 8 West, one of the best small school conferences in the state.
I don't know how Ava is injury wise. I know they had their share of injuries last year. Like every team this time of year, I'm sure they are battling to stay healthy. Lamar has been hit by the injury bug this year, losing a senior offensive lineman to a leg injury on Friday night. But, they should be getting a pair of starters back this week. Both have missed 7 or 8 weeks of action with broken bones. One was an all state first team running back last year. His return could give Lamar a boost.
