By Vinny D.
As the 2024-2025 High School football season has taken off, MRHS has one of its most anticipated and sought-after seasons in a long time. With a whole new two-year schedule and new faces in the leagues, look at the changes and losses from last season.
After our winningest season in the past four years, the Mustangs went 4-6 on their season last year. Mountain Range has had unsuccessful seasons and has been looking for one year for the team to spark.
During the past 2023-2024 season, The Mustangs offense in week 4 changed how they call plays, leading the offense from averaging 8 points to 18.8 points per game. Led by Quarterback Cameron W. (11th), his main receiving targets were Kaydin H.(11th), Devon M. (grad.), and Brice S.(12th). Racking up a total of 945 receiving yards, the Mustangs were still a run-first team. Led by Brendon W.(grad.) Brice S.(12th) and Vinny D.(11th), the offense rushed for 1636 rushing yards.
The Mustangs defense has lost leading defenders Connor C.(grad.), Devon M.(grad.), and Andre L.(grad.), who had a total of 545 tackles and 11 turnovers. The Mustangs return some key pieces on the defensive side of the ball, like Paul K.(12th), Alberto Z.(11th), and Austin R.(11th). All of these returners for the Mustangs bring much upside to this varsity-experienced team.
The Mustangs are looking to make a statement this year. Team Captain Paul K.(12th) states, "I want the team to have a positive record overall as well as a winning league record.” The Mustangs have not been able to achieve this for some time. Quarterback Cam W. adds some of his personal goals: "I’m aiming for 1,200 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, 200 rushing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns.” These goals are achievable for him and have not happened for some time. The players are now anticipating good league play after a 1-4 start to the season and want to shock everyone who doubted them.
Head Coach Todd Riccio adds, "We have young leaders this year, and they need to learn how to lead the entire team for us to take the next steps to move the program forward.” Coach Todd Riccio is looking for a spark for this young team, with many new and moving pieces in all aspects of the game. Riccio adds, "We've done a great job trying to put our players in a position to be more successful on both sides of the ball. I think we are getting more buy-in and belief from the players as well.”
The Mustangs are looking to end a rough non-league stretch and looking to compete with their new league for the rest of the season.