High School Football Preview: Moline

MOLINE, Illinois (KWQC) – The Moline Maroons are ready to compete in the 2024 season.

The Maroons finished 3-5 last season and are looking to change that this season with their speed.

“You know, we felt like that kind of hurt us last fall,” head coach Mike Morrisey said. “We thought we were a little faster than we ended up being, and that hurt us, especially on offense. Then defensively, we didn't do a great job of just closing angles and things like that. So that was a big push in the offseason, is developing players from a discipline standpoint and then developing speed.”

The older members say the biggest development they have seen in the team during the offseason is their drive and leadership.

“All of our kids are stepping up, especially the kids that didn't do much last year,” said Maroons senior Drew Phelps. “New faces leading the team, helping to make everyone better in the weight room and on the field. The energy they bring just helps everyone get better on both sides of the ball.”

“We're all working together to get better,” said Maroons senior Chase Marner. “I mean, we finished last. We had a grudge because we all lost, you know. We didn't really work together and we lost a lot of games, but I think we've gotten better this year and we'll show you guys.”

The Maroons' defensive scheme may look a little different this season, as former Moline head coach Crick Sant Amour is now the defensive coordinator.

“He brings a whole new level of experience and aggressiveness to this team and these kids are 100% into his philosophy,” coach Morrissey said. “He knows it. He knows what he's talking about and has done a great job. A lot of our staff has spent a lot of time working with him as well, so they buy into it very, very quickly and that makes it easier for the kids.”

Your goal? We want to fight for the national championship.

“It takes a special group to do that, and you have to do a lot of things behind closed doors that other people don't see from a work ethic and mental toughness standpoint,” Coach Morrissey said. “But if you put in the effort, put in the time and come together and form a cohesive group, you can accomplish anything you want. So that's always the goal, you know, and this group is hungry for that and they want to be successful.”

Moline opens its season on August 30th at home against Rockwood Summit. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

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