Durham rebranding Patriots football program
The Marshall Academy Patriots finished the 2022 season on a roll, winning seven of the final eight games of the regular season before dropping the heartbreaking first-round loss to Winston Academy. Head coach Ben Durham led the Patriots to a 7- 4 record during the 2022 season. The undefeated record at home stood out the most about the Patriots last season, going 5-0.
“We have so many new kids but several at least got to feel what it’s like to go the playoffs,” Durham said. Coach Durham said he’s rebranding the Patriots for the 2023 season.
“I’m definitely trying to rebrand the program with New Jerseys and helmets,” Durham said
MA Patriots to watch this season are: quarterback Carson Orman; running back/linebacker Eli Gurley, junior; wide receiver/defensive back Devin Snow, sophomore; offensive linemen Zach Bogard, Ryder Roppe, Connor Todd, all juniors, and Cayden Freeman and Keegan Bryson, both are seniors.
The Patriots opened the 2023 season on the road at Greenville Christian Academy.
Durham said that Marshall Academy fans will always have Magnolia Heights circled on their calendar.
“I’m sure the fans feel like the Magnolia Heights game is really important,” Durham said. “They are two classes bigger than us by football.”
But for coach Durham, it is the Carroll Academy game set to be played on October 6.
“For me, it is the Carrol game. They are the standard by which we need to be judged,” Durham said. “It’s been a priority for the team to play cleaner football this season–I think a much cleaner team without all the pre-snap and post-snap penalties.”
Patriots fall in season opener
Marshall Academy opened its 2023 season on the road in the mighty Mississippi Delta to take on powerhouse Greenville Christian Academy.
The Patriots struck first after defensive back Ethan
Sanders intercepted a pass that led to an Eli Gurley touchdown drive, giving the Patriots an early 6-0 lead.
But that would turn out to be the only bright spot in the night as the Saints went on to score 50 unanswered points giving them a 50-6 win over the Patriots. Eli Gurley finished with 10 Carries for 60 yards and one touchdown. Ethan Sanders finished with four tackles and an interception.
“We stepped out of our comfort zone, and played one of the top teams in the state. I feel like this game gave us some PowerPoints. We battled hard tonight amid adversity and never quit fighting,” coach Durham said.
The Patriots travel to Oak Hill Academy, West Point, Friday, Aug. 25, to take on the Raiders.