With the new football season underway, a hungry McDaniel team is ready to compete this year and is looking to shock the PIL, as well as improve on its record from last year. Although there has been a rocky start to the season so far being 0-3, the team has shown promise playing a well-rounded game against Century, only losing by 2 points. One of the team’s main goals this season is trying to clinch a playoff birth. Senior and captain Tre’marion Crawford spoke on what the team needs to do to make the playoffs this year.

“Something I think that could get us to that next level this year is taking advantage of player-player practices where we can all learn from each other and give each other feedback on what we see,” said Crawford.

Another aspect of the team this year is the senior presence. With nine seniors on the team, they’ve helped the team succeed in a few different ways. Junior Marlon McCowan spoke on what the seniors do for the team,

“The seniors have definitely helped us in certain areas like helping the team pick up the intensity and keeping everyone disciplined,” said McCowan.

Head coach Russel Millage also had something to say on how the seniors have impacted the team this year.

“I think our seniors are some of our most talented dudes. I feel like they’ve helped the team as far as showing the team the way and the culture around here at McDaniel.”

Over the off-season, the team went to multiple football camps, including one at the University of Oregon and one at Western Oregon, where they worked with college coaches and got to play competition from out of state.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

“these camps were very valuable for us as a team, I think the team as a whole took something away from going to these camps, especially being able to work with college coaches and get that experience,” said Crawford
Additionally, the team has done lots of bonding during the off-season and the camps. They’re very tight-knit, and team chemistry is one of the main strengths of the team.

“I really like where we are at with the team culture and bonding. I think this year we can use that to put it together so we can win some football games. The team is very hungry for some wins,” said Millage.

This year, there are some very key players that are vital to the success of the team, including: Quarterback Marlon McCowan, Wide receiver Tre’marion Crawford, and Wide receiver Jaydin Jordan. All of these players have goals to earn first team, all PIL Honors, and lead the team to success.

“Marlon is a really great player and personally, I think he’s the best quarterback in the league,” said Millage.

Come see the football team at their PIL opener today against Jefferson at Jefferson.