Excitement was is the air at Mona Shores as the Sailors started football practice as defending division two state champions.
"I didn't have to make them embrace it they just kind of said it's ours and somebody's got to take it," Mona Shores head coach Matt Koziak said. "They are excited about the challenge and that is why we wanted to play the best, just to show that it's hopefully not a fluke."
The Sailors return as many as 11 starters including receiver and cornerback Keondre Pierce who will be a three-year starter.
"Another state championship and being around each other," Pierce said when asked what keeps his team hungry. "Pushing each other, looking at your brothers to your left and your right. Just being around each other."
Senior quarterback Brady Rose was one of the heroes in 2019 on the way to the state championship.
Mona Shores is coming off its first football state championship in school history. The Sailors have beefed up the schedule and expect a full season of Brady Rose at quarterback after incredible performances in the semifinal and final in relief. pic.twitter.com/kuxKb4b2dc
— FOX 17 Blitz (@FOX17Blitz) August 11, 2020
Rose started the first two games at quarterback after senior starter Caden Broersma broke his hand and then came on in relief in the semifinal win over Walled Lake Western after Broersma injured his back.
Rose then played the entire state final win over Detroit King at quarterback leading the Sailors to their first state championship in school history.
"I know they're all excited to get started because we didn't know if we were having a season," Rose said. "Right now we are, so are probably more excited than we would have been if it was a normal year."
