No doubt, MRA has this celebrating championships thing down pat. Not only did this senior class collect three straight state championships, they also never lost a conference game and went a combined 9-0 against rivals Jackson Prep and Jackson Academy. “It’s definitely the way you want to go out,” Latham said. “This is what we worked for all year so for it to end like it did is sweet.” One reporter brought up the dynasty word during a post- game interview with Davis. His response? “I don’t know about all that, but I do know we have some- thing special going on here right now,” he said. “Hopeful- ly, these kids understand that, and they keep working hard when we start getting ready for next year. It’s not nearly as easy as you may think. We’re going to enjoy this one, just like we enjoyed the last two, I can assure you.”
touchdown. Dalton (89 catches, 1,587 yards, 15 TDs) and Toler (63 catches, 992 yards, 10 TDs) combined for 2,579 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. “Those two guys can go up and get the ball,” Davis said. “We’re definitely going to miss them next year.” The Patriots, who have made the championship game in seven of Davis’ eight seasons, have won 41 of its last 42 games against MAIS competition. They’ve won 30 of their last 33 games and 47 of their last 53 overall. Three of those wins have resulted in championships. Soon after receiving their individual medallions, MRA’s players accepted the blue championship trophy and immediately ran it over to the student section to celebrate along with their peers. The students weren’t allowed on the field afterwards, so the players took the celebration to them. Many of them climbed up the wall and into the bleachers along with the students. With the drumline banging away, the crowd began chanting “MRA! MRA! MRA!” in unison and also sang the school fight song. Pictures, lots of them, followed on the field. All the players and coaches held up three fingers to signify the 3-peat.
-Mark Alexander
56
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker