The sixteen-time state championship-winning team is back! The reigning six-time state champions are preparing for their first game and home opener of the season. The players say they feel confident and ready as they head into a tough matchup against the Cardinal Mooney Cougars.
Star quarterbacks Mason Mallory, a Class of 2026 three-star recruit, and Cody Conness, a Class of 2027 standout, shared their thoughts on the upcoming game and their preparation. Conness explained, “We’ve been working really hard. I feel like we have the people to make things happen this year. I’ve been studying the playbook and putting in the work.”
When asked what gives them confidence in their ability to dominate as a team, both players pointed to their daily commitment. “It’s the work we put in day in and day out,” they said. “We don’t rush; we take everything step by step for that one moment.”
Mallory credited head coach Roger Harriott for shaping the team’s preparation beyond the physical level. “He doesn’t just focus on the football aspect,” Mallory said. “He takes everything seriously in the weight room every day throughout the week, and he also prepares us spiritually. That’s what makes him different from every coach in America.”
When asked to explain what “spiritual toughness” means, Mallory responded, “It’s not giving in to worldly temptations. You’re going to be tempted every day, but you have to tap into that mindset of knowing why God put you on this Earth and doing what’s right.”
The energy across the roster echoes Mallory’s and Conness’s confidence. Five-star offensive tackle, Mark Matthews, reflected on the team’s preparation, saying, “We’ve been working our butts off from spring, to summer, and now fall camp. We’re excited to get back on the field.” When asked why he felt so positive about the game, he explained, “They’ve got some good competition, but we’ve been studying film, practicing hard, and now I’m ready.”
Class of 2027 four-star offensive lineman Jaden Dean highlighted the atmosphere in practice. “The atmosphere is unmatched. It makes me want to go even harder. My brothers and I play every snap like it’s our last, with a chip on our shoulder.” When asked what drives him, Dean pointed to his mother. “My mom is who I do it for. Everything I do is for her. I want to give her an even better life. I love her to life.”
When asked why he says “to life” instead of “to death,” Dean explained, “You should want to do it for them while they’re still here. Love your mom to life. Speak life into your loved ones.”
Class of 2026 Mississippi State commit Dylan Steen also reflected on the competitive nature of practice. “We face off against each other like it’s the Super Bowl,” he said. “Most of the time, I believe the best people we play all season are those guys we line up against in practice. At the end of the day it’s all love—we’re all making each other better to reach the same goal.”
Rising sophomore receiver Leroy Thomas, preparing for his first varsity game, expressed excitement and confidence. “I’m just ready to go out there and work,” he said. When asked where that confidence comes from, Thomas explained, “I got it from watching players I looked up to. I model my game after them. When I step on that field, I have the mindset that I’m the best out there and that nobody is better than me. It’s not just me—my teammates feel the same way. If we all keep that mindset, I already know what we’re going to do out there.”
