8/21/2024
Mansfield, Ohio
Coming off back to back ten win seasons, the Mansfield Senior Tygers will open their 2024 campaign at historic Arlin Field Friday night against division two St Vincent’s-St Mary. Losing 17 seniors to graduation is never an easy thing to overcome but the Tygers have the right attitude heading into this coming season with the mentality of, “Keep Chopping Wood”.
Tyger head coach Chioke Bradley is entering his 15th season at the helm. Coach Bradley is the winningest coach in program history, including four 10 win seasons over that span. The leader of the defending outright OCC champs knows he has to rally the troops again this season and bring them together to stay on track. “This summer we wrapped our arms around the kids, coached them hard and just focused on the fundamentals. You never want to get ahead of yourself, development of the new players is very important.”
One of those new faces this year is sophmore quarterback Braylen Patterson who inherits the keys to the offense this fall. When asked about his new quarterback Coach Bradley preached confidence with his new offensive leader, “He has the pedigree, he refuses not to settle and strives to get better, he’s got the confidence to lead.”
When a team goes through mass personnel changes it’s extremely important that the Seniors step up to set an example for the underclassmen. One of those leaders this season is Maurice Bradley II, often reffered to as MJ, a talented linebacker who can not only pass rush at an elite level but also drop back into coverage and help his team succeed where ever he’s needed. The defensive superstar lead the Tygers on defense last season with over 150 total tackles and 14 sacks. MJ currently has several college offers but he continues to focus on helping his team win games and conference championships, “We have goals, we want to essentially win a state championship, that’s all I want to do is win win win. I don’t like losing, who does? So winning keeps me going.”
With a mentality like that there no question that MJ will definitely get more attention from college scouts as the season progresses.
Losing three starters on the offensive line is tough but the next man up motto lives strong in the Tyger locker room. Especially with a new quarterback, the key for the Tygers this season will be the chemistry and development of that offensive line. Time will tell as the season progresses each week.
Trying to avenge a tough 35-14 loss to the SVSM Fighting Irish last season up in Akron, the Tygers will have to face them this time at home with a brand new coach. Former Buckeye legend Doran Grant makes his debut for the Irish making this matchup even more so intriguing from a statewide standpoint.
Arlin Field will host the Irish battling the defending league champs Friday night at 7pm.
Nick Michaels