PRZNY Team Previews: Medina Mustangs

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Last Season (10-1)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Medina had a remarkable 2023 campaign. In the first 10 games, the Mustangs outscored their opponents 349-55, gliding into the Sectional finals versus #2 ranked Salamanca. But after a back-and-forth first half, Medina would collapse in the 3rd and 4th quarters, losing to the Warriors 36-23 in the Class C Championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top Prospect</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1212776"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b6b7b35e190"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A solid size RB at 6' 190 lbs., [player_tooltip player_id='1212776' first='Christian' last='Moss'] has excellent vision and follows his blockers well. He possesses the power to drag would-be tacklers but also the speed to score long runs. Currently ranked #9 by Prep RedZone, a solid junior season should skyrocket his rankings and guide Medina back into the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Three X-Factors</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["807835"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b6b7b35e1e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A two-way player, [player_tooltip player_id='807835' first='Jerrell' last='Nealy'] is extraordinarily fast and has a great get off from the DE position. He has good closing speed and registered 6 sacks as a sophomore. On offense, he is an electrifying WR and at 6'3 180 lbs. he has perfect size. He is quick with good concentration. He should be Medina's #1 target in the passing game in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1212868"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b6b7b35e229"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another two-way stud, [player_tooltip player_id='1212868' first='Brody' last='Fry'] is an excellent blocking Fullback. He was a major part of Moss' success last season. It was at Linebacker however, that Brody earned 2nd team All-State honors. He is a tenacious run defender but also has the fluid hips to defend the pass. Fry will be counted on to anchor a defense that posted 5 shutouts a year ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["811905"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1366504,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b6b7b35e27e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Not often we get to highlight pure special teamers but [player_tooltip player_id='811905' first='Cole' last='Callard'] is a legitimate Kicker that earned All-WNY and All-State in 2023 and is currently the 4th ranked Kicker in all of NYS. Callard led Section VI in several categories as a junior and will build off that in his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Breakout Player</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1364005"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b6b7b35e2bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1364005' first='Elijah' last='Doxey'] really showed a lot of promise in his freshman season. He has great instincts and a nose for the ball. He is also extremely versatile. As a DB, he can line up deep like a safety or up close to cover a slot receiver. He is a ferocious defender. He can also play WR and with the loss of several seniors, Doxey should be in line for a breakout year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Names to Know</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"hasFixedLayout":false} --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Position</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Notes</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">ATH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1394959' first='Kolton' last='Fletcher']</td><td>2026</td><td>A tough, athletic scraper that should be poised for a breakout season</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">DL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1743080' first='Frankie' last='Stephens']</td><td>2026</td><td>A stout DT with good technique</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-left" data-align="left">ATH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1743168' first='Trevon' last='Shine']</td><td>2026</td><td>A physical CB with sound awareness that can make a name for himself as a junior</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Losses</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>OL</td><td>Roosevelt Mitchell</td><td>Akron</td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>Julian Woodworth</td><td>Leading Passer</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>Xavier King</td><td>2nd Team All WNY</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>Noah Cudzilo</td><td>Most complete Playmaker</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>9/6</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/middleport/barker-royalton-hartland-bulls/football/">@Barker/Royalton-Hartland*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-06-2024/football-24/barker-royalton-hartland-vs-medina.htm?c=uyu2w1Nr5ESOMRrJXqVfow">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/13</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/newfane/newfane-panthers/football/">vsNewfane*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-13-2024/football-24/medina-vs-newfane.htm?c=UVd-SNbl3UWJJVrLGl6fhw">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/21</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/cheektowaga/cleveland-hill-golden-eagles/football/">@Cleveland Hill*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-21-2024/football-24/cleveland-hill-vs-medina.htm?c=EeYjGY7yWku1j5r3M52IXw">2:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/27</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/tonawanda/tonawanda-timberwolves/football/">vsTonawanda*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-27-2024/football-24/medina-vs-tonawanda.htm?c=9t-yRIPgokSv6bpWNnajyw">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/3</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/akron/akron-tigers/football/">vsAkron*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-03-2024/football-24/akron-vs-medina.htm?c=-9yiJ4VcKke29-TZf0Ma7g">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/11</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/alden/alden-bulldogs/football/">vsAlden*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-11-2024/football-24/alden-vs-medina.htm?c=O0HpiTVo_0-zSUk2TtOj-Q">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/19</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/buffalo/western-new-york-maritime-charter-tapestry-seahawks/football/">@WWNYMCT (CO-OP)*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-19-2024/football-24/medina-vs-western-new-york-maritime-charter-tapestry.htm?c=OaaaCxAUDkm9wqpQfVfg0A">2:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/25</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/albion/albion-purple-eagles/football/">@Albion</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-25-2024/football-24/albion-vs-medina.htm?c=Az0qxP3fxkGB3CiUnseXCw">7:00pm</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Outlook</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Head Coach:</strong> <strong>Eric Valley (Entering his 17th season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Medina's only non-league contest will be their final regular season game against Albion; a struggling program that Medina beat 38-8 last season. Alden, Tonawanda and Maritime/Tapestry are all new opponents to the Mustangs as they are coming from Class B.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3 Things Going For The</strong> Mustangs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A top ranking run game led by [player_tooltip player_id='1212776' first='Christian' last='Moss'] with [player_tooltip player_id='1212868' first='Brody' last='Fry'] as his lead blocker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young up-and-coming athletes in [player_tooltip player_id='807835' first='Jerrell' last='Nealy'], [player_tooltip player_id='1364005' first='Elijah' last='Doxey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1394959' first='Kolton' last='Fletcher']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top-notch special teams play with [player_tooltip player_id='811905' first='Cole' last='Callard']. Medina should win most, if not all field position battles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1 Area of Concern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback. Julian Woodworth graduated leaving the position wide open. It is still unclear from an outside standpoint who will take the reins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Last Word</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Medina's defeat last season was a big upset as they were ranked #3 in the entire state in Class C. Each of the last 4 seasons, the Mustangs have entered the Sectional playoffs as the #1 seed; but have just 2 titles to show for it. There are no major changes to their roster or their divisional opponents to suggest they will not dominate the regular season once again. I fully expect them to make it back to Highmark Stadium for another Section VI Championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->