Join us in recognizing our Melissa Cardinal Varsity Football Team! This season, the Cardinals advanced all the way to the Texas UIL 5A Division II State Semifinals. Throughout the year, the team demonstrated resilience, determination, and a strong commitment to one another, competing as one of the top teams in the state. Their hard work and perseverance were evident each week, and they proudly represented Melissa ISD.
“What a great experience I had this year with some amazing young men and the best coaching staff. These young men are going to move our society in a positive way in the future and I was so glad to be able to see them everyday move each other, love each other, and live up to the standard here at Melissa,” said Head Coach Matt Nally. “I am so blessed to have the coaching staff that I have. They are all amazing teachers of the schemes and concepts, but more importantly they all are great role models for young men to look up to. Our support staff with Mrs. Stoner and Mrs. Tabor was the best. They did things behind the scenes that held our team together. Coach Morton and the training staff are the best around and I’m so proud of them and how they cared for our athletes. So proud of our cheer, drill team, and band how they were our 12th man and laid everything on the line for our team each Friday night. Lastly, Mr. Murphy, Coach Stinton, and all of our administration and teachers for being our cheerleaders everyday and for their support that moved us in a positive direction.”
Senior Brett Holloway reflected on this season saying, “We had a great year and made a lot of amazing memories. I am going to remember this team for a lifetime.”
District Awards/Recognitions:
Following the conclusion of the district season, several Cardinals earned postseason individual honors in recognition of their performance and leadership throughout the year:
Defensive MVP: Rocky Dunn
Defensive Line MVP: Brenham Cherne
Offensive Newcomer of the Year: Max Pierce
All-District 1st Team:
Utility: DK Woodard
RB: Bear Tabor
OL: Nnanna Ijomah
WR: Jacob Swain
OLB: Max Corbin
TE: Wyatt Harry
DB: Jared Potucek
WR: Dalton Dababneh
QB: Brett Holloway
DB: Noah Husband
DL: Ini Edu
ILB: Brody McDowell
OL: Max Wright
OL: Keaton Fraser
All-District 2nd Team:
OL: Jerry Graves
DL: Kyndal Taylor
WR: Chris Davis
DB: Dumi Gatson
OLB: Jaylon Frazier
OL: Asher Carleton
ILB: Landen Jones
The Cardinals wrapped up the season with momentum and clear growth across the program. We commend our seniors for the leadership, commitment, and impact they brought to the team throughout the year. A special thank you to Head Coach Matt Nally and his coaching staff for their commitment to developing student-athletes and leading the program with integrity. We are proud of this group and look forward to what’s ahead for our Cardinal Football program. Go Cards!