SCA Conference football preview
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 12:52pm
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By:
Andrew Snider, corresponding writer
Ava Bears - Coach Merrifield welcomes back 15 starters who claimed last year's conference championship with a perfect 7-0 record. With All-State RB Hunter Adams leading the way, the Bears’ hard-nosed, downhill rushing attack will be tough to beat.
Liberty Eagles - With a 6-1 conference record in 2023, Coach Acklin brings back 17 starters. Look for Liberty to spread the ball around with All-Conference player Gavin Reese taking over the reins at quarterback.
Mountain Grove Panthers - Put the SCA on notice -- Dan Swofford takes over as head coach of his alma mater. His flexbone offense has caused fits for opponents for years. Expect Grove to be near the top of the conference, especially with All-Conference QB Aden Estep returning.
Thayer Bobcats - Thayer is a team on the rise. A total of 16 starters return for Coach Briar Hancock's Bobcats. Amongst them are standout All-State DL Cooper Clark. They may be the smallest school in the conference, but they play big man football.
Houston Tigers - Coach Sloan's Tigers went 3-4 in SCA play a year ago and they lost most of their offensive production from that team. Houston will rely on returning All-Conference players Jordan Arthur and Bryson Jordan to lead the team.
Cabool Bulldogs - The Bulldogs welcome new head coach Glen Cox. With just 7 returning starters coming back from a 2-5 (conference) team, Cabool will be challenged to bounce back in 2024.
Salem Tigers - The second year under head coach Neal Myers’ regime may find Salem closer to turning things around. The Tigers only had one win in 2023, but they return 15 starters, including All-Conference RB Reuben Hoovey.
Willow Springs Bears - The Bears were young in 2023. Real young. Now, those players have a full year of experience under their belt. Expect Logan Schwalm’s Bears to be much improved.
Labor Day print deadlines prevented our Liberty vs. Strafford game recap from appearing in this issue scan the QR code to find it online or check out the next print issue!