October 16, 2025 —From explosive plays to exceptional leadership, Allatoona High School's Ethan Corpus and McEachern High School's Ava Couzens consistently set the standard on and off the field, earning them well-deserved recognition as the Athletes of the Week (AOW). AOW recognizes male and female student-athletes, like Ethan and Ava, who perform at high levels in their sport, classroom, and school communities. Support from BSN Sports makes the program possible.
While Ethan continues to be a driving force for the Buccaneers football team, Ava stands out in every role she takes on for the Indians' flag football team.
Ethan Corpus, Football, Allatoona
The Buc football team is now even in region play with a 2-2 record in Region 7-4A. Ethan had an outstanding performance in a recent home game against Woodland. He ran for 331 yards on 22 carries and scored five touchdowns in the 49-35 victory. Ethan accounts for more than 70 percent of the team's total touchdowns this season! He is a senior and has been playing football since the seventh grade. He is a leader in the locker room, on the field, and in the classroom.
"Ethan is the heart of our team," said his coach, Brad Smith. "He is what we aspire every player in our program to be. He shows up every day and outworks everyone. He's a leader in every facet of the building and displays his commitment through his actions and work ethic. He has developed into one of the premier players in Cobb County. He's a great player but a better human being. I feel very blessed and humbled to get to coach Ethan Corpus!"
The praise doesn't stop there.
"He is a cornerstone of our team with his consistency and the spark for the offense. Ethan does the right things on and off the field and is admired by both his teachers and his peers," agreed Allatoona Athletic Director Chris Murray.
Ava Couzens, Flag Football, McEachern
Picking up right where they left off last season, the defending Division 4 state champ Indians are off to a great start. In their first game of the 2025 season, the Indians shut out last season's Division 3 runner-up, Pace Academy, at the Second Annual Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Flag Football Classic, 13-0. Ava's stats for that game were impressive: two touchdowns, four catches, two interceptions, and two flag pulls. She was previously named to the All-Area Offensive Team, All-Cobb County Offensive Team, and the Division 4 GFFCA All-State Team. She has also been named to this year's Miss Georgia watchlist.
Now in her junior year, Ava excels in any position on the field. She plays receiver, quarterback, center, cornerback, and safety. Her natural talent and instincts help to make the Indians a preseason favorite to repeat last year's state-title run. She is a two-sport athlete for the Indians and plays varsity basketball in the winter. Ava is also clutch in the classroom, with a 3.778 GPA.
"Overall, she is our best player," said McEachern Head Coach Jake Burgdorf. "She has contributed greatly to our success. She has been playing for three years and has been a starter since her freshman year."
Her impact goes well beyond her athletic ability.
"Ava is a great example of a student and an athlete. She is very encouraging and leads by her actions. Her teammates love her. She is very positive, humble, and uplifting," Coach Burgdorf concluded proudly about his Athlete of the Week.
Well done, Ethan and Ava! We are so proud of you and look forward to watching both of you in the rest of your football seasons! Great job supporting these exceptional Athletes of the Week, Allatoona and McEachern.
