By: Artem Dolgushev and Tyler Solomon

   Football on Friday nights. It’s more than just a game under the lights. It’s what keeps the school alive. The loud cheering from the student section combines with eating fresh fried Oreos, the delicious Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, and warm nachos, as students laugh, socialize, and cheer together. Students are fitted out in face paint and spirited outfits. They bring the energy that fuels the players on the field, leading to a Marriotts Ridge celebration. 

   The MRHS football games are games that attract students, family members, and alumni. Students and parents attend the games for various reasons. Students attend games to socialize and show their funny, spirited outfits. Parents attend to support their kids who play. Each week, a new outfit theme is announced, and students get the opportunity to dress up. Some of the past themes include U.S.A., Camo, Blackout, Pinkout, and so much more.

“I go to the games to catch up with friends, watch football, and have a good time. I really enjoy football this year because the community is much more engaged compared to previous years. I feel that part of the reason why our team is succeeding is that the fans are really bringing the energy to the games. Everyone dresses up to the themes for the games and cheers together,” junior Timothy Moon said. 

   This year, the football team has added on to their last year’s accomplishments, with a historic 2-0 start, along with last year’s 8-3 finish. The team has been mainly focusing on using run plays, an aggressive play style, and wearing the other team down through a no-huddle offense—all things implemented by the coaching staff to turn the team from losing seasons into a leader within the county. Many players remarked on the unity of the team, a principal part of high school sports.

   “We didn’t really have team spirit before, and we have a lot more talent on the team now. Combine that with our coaches, we all feel like one big family now,” junior Soma Dike claimed.

   Many players have commented on these successes, feeling that the accomplishments of the team is getting football players the recognition they deserve for their hard work

   “It feels good being in the spotlight, you know, after all the hard work we put in, it’s nice for people to watch us win,” junior Rodney Butler stated. Rodney has been a vital part of the team offensively, scoring touchdowns and securing vital first downs. 

   “We’re very strong defensively. I feel like the coaches bring out the best in us that we players didn’t know we had,” Dike said. Dike has contributed to the team greatly on defense, putting pressure on the opponent’s offensive line and stopping run plays.

   In one of their biggest tests this year, the Mustangs faced Reservoir High School for their homecoming game on Friday, October 3rd. This season, Reservoir has proven to be an incredibly athletic team, able to score well and lock down on defense. However, the Mustangs caught the Gators off guard, scoring two touchdowns in the first half, before shutting out Reservoir in the second half to win the game 13-0.

   The following week, the Mustangs put up another flawless performance against Mt. Hebron, a longstanding rival, securing a 28-0 win against them for Hebron’s homecoming game. The game showed the strength of the football team, highlighting Blake Willingham’s and Cayden Fricke’s ability to lead t[4he offense, as Willingham scored a touchdown leaping into the endzone and leading the Mustang offense to gain 250 yards. Fricke also had an incredible game with seven receptions and two touchdowns to put the Mustangs ahead. The Mustang defense had an outstanding performance, with Dominic Funkhouser and Yusuf Azamy making countless tackles, several for loss, and Cooper Ellis making an interception in the fourth quarter to solidify the Mustang shutout.

   The Mustangs show no signs of slowing down, as they will finish off their season with games against Wilde Lake, River Hill, and Hammond, looking for several wins to secure another shot at a state title.