Marriotts Ridge Football underwent a major transformation in the past two years under Coach Holzman. As he starts on his second season as head coach, the team is beginning to see the rewards of the changes implemented by him and his staff.
After a challenging first two weeks of the season, the team remains eager, knowing the hurdles they face together. The varsity team, in particular, is rallying to turn their season around.
“I’m super excited to keep playing the sport I love. It’s my last time on this level, so I want this season to be a good one,” senior Ja’Kaylen Love said.
The offseason was pivotal, with sixty players committing to early morning workouts to enhance their strength and football skills. Mr. Lowe, the defensive coordinator, was happy with their efforts.
“Good, very good, a lot of people showed up to weights. A lot of people got into better shape, and the turnout was great,” Lowe said.
Each new season brings fresh faces, the program welcomes new freshmen who are taking on the challenge of starting high school while adapting to the expectations of student-athletes.
“They are slowly starting to realize the expectations of high school, along with what we expect from them as players,” coach Lowe explains.
Despite starting their season 0-1, the JV team remains hopeful, with ample time to improve their standing. Their determination shines.
Being a head coach requires setting the standard for the program. Coach Holzman made his expectations clear from day one and recognized the need for a new coaching staff when he took charge. With a plan in place, including weight training and seven-on-seven practices, he elevated the intensity and accountability in the weight room. Holzman also recruited coaches he had prior experience with, aiming to build a knowledgeable team of mentors.
“Everyone of our assistant coaches is different; they can all be role models to a different type of kid,” Holzman emphasizes.
Building relationships and getting players to buy into the program are challenges for all coaches, but Holzman excelled in this regard.
“The buy-in was huge, and the work ethic was big,” Holzman stated.
Holzman adopted a unified program approach, with JV and Varsity sharing coaches and practice sessions. While this approach poses challenges, Holzman’s experience has taught him to let his coaches lead.
“When I was younger, I tried to do everything myself,” Holzman reflects.
This collaborative approach fosters consistent conversations among coaches, enabling seamless implementation of strategies across the entire program, from freshman to varsity.
Leveraging the strengths of those around him, Holzman’s efforts are finding success. The Mustangs have won their first game of the season at Oakland Mills High School, marking an earlier victory than last year. “I think we can compete and play with everyone in the county. I don’t think there is anyone out there that we can’t play with,” said Holzman.
Eager for the rest of the season, the team is ready for all the challenges ahead. Ryan Manlove, a senior guard, has been fighting for his spot all season. After getting an opportunity to start against Oakland Mills, Manlove proved he was more than capable of starting.
“I was nervous, but I’m glad I got my shot. I’m very excited to play on Friday,” Manlove commented.
Manlove is a prime example of the spirit this Mustangs team has. Never giving up to pursue their goals and fighting until the end. The team has a great opportunity to finish turning around their season and continue to drive towards their goals.