Every high school football team dreams of improving from last season in some form or fashion. Most compare quality wins and total wins to see where they are compared to previous seasons. Maur Hill-Mount Academy does just that, but this season’s improvements in particular cannot be ignored.
Maur Hill-Mount Academy (located in Atchison) advances to the playoffs winning its first district title in 22 years. This will be just the second trip to the playoffs since winning the 4A state title in 1992 (the other trip coming in 2004).
What is their reward? A first round match-up with defending state champion, Silver Lake.
Maur Hill-Mount Academy has gradually restored respect to its program over the last several years under head coach Jermaine Monroe. Last season, the Ravens went 2-7. This season the Ravens did just the opposite going 7-2. Coach Monroe attributes the impressive turnaround to the hard work of his players and coaching staff.
“I think the leadership of our upperclassmen really has played a huge factor this season,” Monroe said.
Junior running back Harry Trotter leads the Ravens with 912 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. Defensive end Jake Schmidt and linebacker Cole Siebenmorgan, both seniors, are first and second in tackles respectively and have been great run stoppers for a strong MH-MA defense.
Monroe stresses that the Ravens' success in 2014 is a result of a strong summer.
“We started the year compiling a list of goals that we wanted to accomplish and discussed what we needed to do to accomplish them. Our team's dedication in our summer weight program really showed, especially in our new John Flynn Athletic Center that was donated by Maur Hill alumni and donors.”
The hard work has definitely paid off for a school that has had an uphill battle in recent years.
Maur Hill-Mount Academy is in a unique situation where about 40% of its student body are boarding students. Many of these students are from other countries and do not usually participate in football. These additions to the student population increase the Ravens numbers enough so that they compete in class 3A.
Still the challenge of hosting the defending 3A state champion is a welcomed challenge for the Ravens.
“We have faced them the last two years in district play,” Monroe said. “It is a challenge that we feel comfortable with because we are playing our best right now.”
The Ravens will square off with Silver Lake at 7:00pm at Guy Galley Field in Atchison. Regardless of the outcome on Tuesday night, the Ravens have taken a big step forward in reviving their football program. Their 2014 campaign can be counted as a success.
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