The lights at the Dragon football field aren’t waiting for the fall season games to shine a little light on the moves of Malad’s finest.  More than 100 participants signed up to take part in the football camp put on by the Dragon high school football team and led by senior Dylan Moss, focusing on learning foundational skills that they then put to use in a series of flag football games that just recently, culminated in a final game on the field, played under the big lights.

  Since Tuesday, June 20, football has been on the brain for over 100 of Malad’s future football stars from 1st to 8th grade.  Over the three day camp, the players had the opportunity to learn and improve their foundational football skills.  Split into their respective age groups, each participant moved through the various positions played on the field.  

They focused on a solid offensive stance, blocking to protect the quarterback and blocking to create holes for the running back.  They continued their offensive skills as they practiced throwing, catching and running with the ball.  Then they turned their attention to defense, spending time learning proper tackling technique to not only wrap up for a solid tackle but to do it in a way to keep them safe.

On the final day of camp, the players competed in a range of games and challenges from seeing who could punt or throw the ball the farthest to see who could race down the field the fastest.  The games put their newly learned and honed skills to the test in a new and challenging way.

At the conclusion of the camp, the players began a series of flag football games, a new addition to the summer youth camp.  Breaking up into age groups, the teams played games over five nights throughout July, with the final game being played under the lights, a standout way to end their summer football. 

For each game, the coaches would mix things up, shifting players between the different teams and to positions.  The coaches wanted to give each player a chance to be the one to throw the pass, run in the touchdown or make the big tackle.  While some players might be suited for a particular position, the camp and the games were the perfect time to give the players a little fun trying out something new.

Senior football player Dylan Moss helped organize and lead the camp as a part of his senior project for his final high school year.  When asked why he chose this for his project Moss answered, “I love football!  And I wanted to give back to this community and program that has meant so much to me.”

Moss has had a unique perspective over his football career as both a player on the field as well as coach from the sidelines.  Just weeks before the beginning of the football season in his junior year, Moss was in a motorbike accident that left him with a crushed knee cap, broken ankle, broken ribs, punctured lung, broken wrist, and a concussion.  With such severe injuries, Moss’ hopes for his upcoming season were brought to an end.

But despite his injuries and not being able to take the field, Moss didn’t let his injuries stop him from being a part of the Dragon football team.  He supported his team from the sidelines, helping his coaches and encouraging his teammates in a time that would have been easy for him to feel bad about his circumstances.  “I could have just sat around at home,” said Moss, “or I could’ve joined my team.  Seeing the plays from the sidelines, doing the mental reps and helping the coaches has helped my own game even when I couldn’t play.” 

That perspective from the sideline coupled with his love of the game was the perfect pairing for Moss’ senior project.  Coach Brady Price, who helped lead the camp and games, shared, “Dylan loves football.   He doesn’t just want to play the game but teach it as well.”  Coach Price applauded Moss’s work as he led out in the drills, skills, and competitions.  He pointed out what a difference it makes for the kids that participate in the camp to be led by the Dragon football team, saying, “These kids look up to them. They want to be them someday.   Getting to do the drills with them, be on the field with them and play the game with them makes them even more excited.”

The youth camps and games are an important part of building a strong football program.  The MHS football team and coaches are looking to create a team built on a strong foundation of sound skills and a love for the game from a young age.  There’s no denying that a night of football under the lights is a great way to light that fire for future Dragon football stars.