HSFT Stop #24: A New Chapter for Starkville Academy’s Football Team
Starkville, Miss. — The Starkville Academy Volunteers football team marked an impressive 9-3 season last year, but this year is a fresh start. After a season that ended in the third round of the playoffs, the team is ready to embrace the new challenges of the 2024 High School Football Tour.
Coach Nicholson Reflects on Last Year’s Performance
Head coach Chase Nicholson highlights last year’s success, the bond that brought the team together, and a district championship under their belt. Nicholson said, “They know what it takes to get that far. That’s always the fun part about a football team is that you look at the past successes and the past failures of the team before and you know what not to do and what to do.”
A Year of Replacement, Not Rebuilding
Nicholson emphasizes that this year is about replacing the graduating seniors and filling the missing spots in the team. Nicholson commented, “Every year, you lose great players. That’s the thing we always talk about. We don’t rebuild around here. We refuse to do that.”
Filling the Shoes of Three-Year Starters
The Volunteers have big shoes to fill with the departure of plenty of three-year starters. However, senior quarterback Luke McKenzie is more than ready to step up and take on a leadership role. After serving as the backup last season, McKenzie is excited to start under center. McKenzie said, “I’m very excited. I’ve been playing quarterback my whole life. These past two years, I’ve really had to embrace not playing as much as my 10th-grade year.”
Setting Their Eyes on the State Championship
The Volunteers’ clear goal is to make it to the state championship. While the path may not be easy, their motivation and determination are evident. Nicholson said, “This team can go as far as they truly want to, as far as we want to. Will they get it done? We’ll see, that’s what we play the game for. That’s what we play each week for.”
The Starkville Academy football team begins its season at Lamar on Aug. 30, ready to apply all they have learned so far, and determined to go further than ever before.
