Quarterback Jonathan Batcheller completed his third touchdown pass with 8 seconds left and the extra point was just enough to sneak Ava into the postseason.
The Bears, who needed nine points to clinch the Class 3 District 9 title, got them on Mark Philpott’s extra point in the waning seconds that gave Ava a 33-24 win against Salem.
The fate of three teams – Ava, Salem and Rogersville – hinged on the outcome of the game. Salem would have won the district title if the Tigers held Ava out of the end zone on the final drive. Rogersville would have been the winner without the extra point.
Instead, the Bears (7-3) advanced. They host Mountain Vernon (7-3) at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Batcheller completed 18-of-28 passes for 237 yards. He also had 16 carries for 93 yards and a score.
Willow Springs 34, Liberty 12: Justin Johnson had a pair of touchdown runs as the Bears ended their season with a victory.
Willow Springs (4-6, 2-4 SCA) gained 380 yards of total offense while holding Mountain-View Liberty to 151 yards.
Paris Walkup returned an interception 60 yards for a score, and Luke Yarber had a 3-yard touchdown run for the Eagles (2-8, 1-5 SCA).
