Larger roster, new conference have Avella excited for season

By: Josh Rizzo
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 | 6:01 AM

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Editor’s note: Trib HSSN will publish team-by-team previews for one conference per day until the start of the high school football season Friday. Due to production schedule conflicts, the Bentworth and California previews will be published later in the week.

Sawyer Kramer is always working toward pursuing the football. Avella’s middle linebacker believes their defense is wired to play only one way.

“We want to hit people,” Kramer said. “We have an aggressive defense. We don’t hesitate.”

The Eagles are hoping having more bodies will provide some more relief this year.

Despite never dressing more than 15 players, Avella scratched out four wins last season.

With a move to the Tri-County South Conference, the Eagles believe they will be in the mix to compete for a position in the playoffs. Avella will open the season Aug. 23 at Mapletown.

The Eagles should have 23 players available when the season starts, which will be a major improvement.

The Eagles will be in a conference with Bentworth, Beth-Center, California, Carmichaels, Jefferson-Morgan, Mapletown and West Greene.

“I feel like we will do well in the new conference,” Kramer said. “We played in the Black Hills Conference last year and won four games.”

Avella coach Ryan Cecchini said he is happy with how the Eagles have prepared for the season.

“That’s kind of the key,” Cecchini said. “We limit the contact and the hitting. We condition a lot. I tell the kids that I’m never going to let you lose the game because you are out of shape.”

Avella will have a new quarterback leading the offense. Chas Rush, who played running back last season, will lead the Eagles’ Wing-T attack. Rush said that getting ready for the season with a smaller roster isn’t a challenge he hides from. It’s all he knows.

“I’m used to it,” Rush said.”We go to practice and work hard so we can play on both sides of the ball.”

Cecchini believes that Rush will make a good transition to being under center. He was the team’s leading rusher last season.

“I think he’s a great overall athlete,” Cecchini said. “It’s not easy to start at running back as a freshman. He took a few snaps at quarterback. He caught the ball last year. He was doing a multitude of different things. He’s a leader of the team. He’s embraced that.”

Avella will have a number of players with experience on the offensive line returning. Hayden Gatewood, Triton Shirley, Cody Day and Kramer all have experience playing in the trenches.

Kramer said Avella will need to fight for every inch.

“We have to work for first downs,” Kramer said.

Nathan Rankin, Ron Kozak and Bryce Wright will play wide receiver.

Rush said he is working on trying to manage the offense the best he can.

“Since I was running back last year, I know all the plays,” Rush said. “I try to study things I can and go from there. I try to keep everyone happy.”

Broden Hamm will be an important contributor on defense.

Rush is excited to see what Avella can do in a new conference this year.

“My goal is to finish in the top two in the conference,” Rush said.

Avella

Coach: Ryan Cecchini

2023 record: 4-6, 2-5 in the Class A Black Hills Conference

All-time record: 358-500-26

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23 at Mapletown*, 7

8.30 Carlynton, 7

9.6 Springdale, 7

9.13 at West Greene*, 7

9.20 at California*, 7

9.27 Bethlehem-Center*, 7

10.4 at Mapletown*, 7

10.11 at Carmichaels*, 7

10.18 Jefferson-Morgan*, 7

10.25 Bentworth*, 7

* Conference game

FAST FACTS

• Avella’s four wins last season were the program’s most since they went 5-4 in 2020.

• The Eagles finished 2-5 in the Black Hills Conference last season.

• Avella had to forfeit a game against Bishop Canevin due to a lack of players.

• The Eagles were 3-11 in Black Hills Conference games over the past two seasons.

Tags: Avella