Rick Patrick, Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys' quest for another state championship came up short in a 21-19 loss to Pahokee High on Friday, Nov. 25. While the loss is certainly disappointing, the overall season can be seen as nothing less than an overwhelming success.
The Cowboys managed to go undefeated throughout the regular season. This team is only the third team in Madison County history to make it to the semi-final game with an undefeated record. That alone is impressive, but considering the level of competition the Cowboys played during the season, that 10-0 regular season record becomes even more impressive.
What is also impressive about these young men and the coaching staff at MCHS is the fact that the focus has always been, and continues to be, on factors much more important than a football score. Teamwork, love of each other, accountability, and perseverance are all attributes that the coaching staff has emphasized this year. These are valuable lessons that will serve these young men well into adulthood and for the rest of their lives. “When it isn't going well, football always goes back to habits and execution. Emotion is a major part, but you do what you repeatedly do daily and I was proud of our kids and how they trusted the process and leaned on that,” said MCHS Head Football Coach Mike Coe after a victory over Florida High earlier in the season. This statement is true not only about football, but about life as well. “There is no doubt that I got to coach some great future businessmen, fathers, husbands, citizens, etc. [To] them I say 'thank you' and 'this is just the beginning, not the end. You get to write your next chapter now, but remember you are a Cowboy and you are loved and appreciated and always welcome on Boot Hill,'” said Coe in a statement after the game last Friday.
Congratulations to Coach Coe and the rest of the staff at MCHS, and to the young men under their guidance. You have certainly made Madison proud with your courage, your spirit, and your accomplishments on and off the field. For more on Friday's game, see page 8.