How bright is MV football’s future? Young talent is jumping off the charts.

Rams underclassmen are turning the tides of the ‘23 season by creating barriers on the defensive side. 

Head Coach Dan Mings has high hopes for MV football’s future within the program. 

“The hope is to have a winning culture that sees us in the hunt for winning seasons, conference, and consistent playoff teams,” Coach Mings Stated. 

Playoff teams consist of great coaching and determined players.

 Coach Mings stated that underclasses don’t produce talent, they coach talent, which comes from hard off-season strength and conditioning practices. 

The MV Football team has been through many injuries this ‘23 season. 

One of Coach Ming’s hardest working players is Junior Quarterback Malakai Mays. 

Mays said, injuries made us make some changes in what we do, but with those changes, it made us better. 

“We are going to continue working and push for a greater season,” Mays added.

MV football has many talented ‘24 players this year, and this will lead to a brighter future for the program

“We will have to have more people step up and fill in a spot for varsity. It will show who is determined to win,” stated Mays. 

Many of the underclassmen have stepped up this year to make huge changes to the varsity football team.

The task of being a freshman and making big plays at the varsity level takes skill and heart.

Wide Receiver Josh Crowder ’27, Crowder’s initial reaction to being named a varsity starter was, “I was really nervous, but I knew come game time I couldn’t be scared.” 

Safety Malik Grissom, ‘27, stated “I was excited, but also prepared to help my team.” 

Grissom has made big changes on the defensive side for MV Football’s ‘23 season, almost taking over more of a captain role as the years go on.

“I try to be a leader even as a freshman, just when we are down to remind them that the game isn’t over,” Grissom said.

Both Crowder and Grissom stated that their coaches and teammates have taught them how to be tough and that they meant a great deal to them. 

The players and coaches play the biggest role in making an MV football season the best. 

For MV football, there are also several support people in place. Seth English, MV Athletic Director, mentioned plans to make outdoor concessions and restroom buildings for Kent Hunt Stadium. 

Mr. English stated this about the MV Gridiron Club, “They help to purchase equipment, shoes, and jackets for students on the team. 

Mr. English hopes for a continuation of growing and repeated MV football success in a positive way.