Athletics

Back to Back State Runner-Ups

The 2021 football season marked the second year in a row that the Bulldogs made it to the State Championship game with Coach Mike Kintz. “With this being my second year here, it was a different season as my relationship with these players and coaches was a year in the making. Having the opportunity to coach them and return to that game was awesome." actually felt at peace about the whole thing. The more I stress, the worse that I play. Being relaxed helps me play confident and free. I honestly had to just ask God to calm me down. I cannot express how excited I was to be in that game though. To get to that game meant a lot...I was just so grateful.”

Making it to the championship game did not come without some challenges. The 2021 MDCA football team was very small, with only 25 players, including nine seniors. “From the start, we had to deal with Covid issues. The first week of school, we all were quarantined. On top of that, we went into games with about 20 guys, shared Senior Quarterback Caleb Romano. Coach Kintz also expressed the challenge of the size of the team and Covid, “The challenges we faced were the same as any other team in regards to Covid and injuries. However, the number of players we have was less than any other team we played all year long, so overcoming that and still being able to practice effectively was definitely a challenge.”

The goal for the team was always to make it to the state championship, and to win. What the Bulldogs lacked in size, they made up for in genuine care for each other and talent. The team pushed their way forward to the state championship game. Romano shared how he felt about going into that final game. “I was definitely nervous going in, those butterflies have always been there since a young age. However, I

After a long season with a small team, the Bulldogs lost the SSAC championship game by one point to Lake Highland Prep and outscored opposing teams by a 405 to 128 margin.

“Truly, there are so many moments in this season that will stand out for a lifetime. The excitement from our players towards their teammates when they scored for the first time or caught their first pass was genuine. Having games that took place with power outages, bus drives going the wrong way taking us to Georgia, our teammate "Joe" that I still have not met, teammates giving up a touchdown by handing it to another teammate at the goal line, players getting taken off in an ambulance but being okay, and last, but not least, the process of the off-season. These young men give up so much time to be a great football team, and the ups and downs of the year make it all worth the sacrifice. None of us was perfect, but I saw them grow up, put in the work, and I am hopeful they all became closer to God,” reflected Coach Kintz.

What is your biggest accomplishment from this season?

My proudest accomplishment was my teammates telling me that I made an impact on them. I always want to be a great football player, and I pride myself on that, but it means nothing if my character stinks. I have a responsibility to reflect Jesus in everything I do, including football. It was just an honor to be able to be a part of such a great team. -Caleb Romano, Senior

My proudest moment was making it to the state championship game and also making all area first team defensive lineman. -Owen Draves, Sophomore

My first touchdown. -Kyle Turnage, Sophomore

What were your thoughts going into the state championship game?

I was confident in our ability to come together and play as the united team that we have been playing as the entire season. We just had to make sure everybody played their specific role in the game, on offense and defense. -Owen Draves, Sophomore

I was ready to play, knowing that it was going to be a very good game and that we were going to have to play our hardest. -Eddie Tooke, Junior

My thought going into the game was it's my last game, so let's end it and have fun. -Zack Wilson, Senior

What is your favorite memory from this season?

I’d say getting my teammate Zcari Minnis his first high school touchdown ever! -Reggie Virgil, Senior

I think my favorite memory would have to be the championship game. Not the end so much, but just the build up, and the game itself. I had so much fun this year, and I’m excited to see where I’m headed next. -Caleb Romano, Senior

My favorite memory from this season would definitely be listening to some music before the games. -Owen Draves, Sophomore