Moore League Media Day Kicks Off 2026 Football Season with Championship Goals and a Commitment to Student Success

Photo courtesy of the 562.org.

Excitement for the 2026 high school football season was on full display August 4 as coaches and student-athletes from Jordan, Lakewood, Millikan, Poly, and Wilson high schools gathered at Millikan High School for the annual Moore League Media Day.

With cameras rolling and anticipation building for kickoff, coaches shared their expectations for the season, emphasizing competition, preparation, and the pursuit of league championships. Yet amid the excitement surrounding Friday night lights, one message resonated throughout the day: student-athletes are students first.

“Class checks, grade checks, we’re going to ensure they’re focused on academics because ultimately we want our kids to get to college,” said Millikan Head Coach Romeo Pellum.

Travon Patterson, Head Coach at Poly, echoed that philosophy.

“We build an atmosphere where kids are excelling in our program, where they feel supported, and help them get into college. They’re students first, then athletes.”

Wilson Head Coach Raudric Curtis said his program is built on competition, while never losing sight of developing young people beyond the game.

“It’s nothing but competition here at Wilson; we’re not giving you anything. It’s all about being a competitor in this program,” Curtis said. “We focus on competition, we focus on players’ development, and we focus on these kids beyond football.”

The student-athletes shared that same mindset. Wilson Senior Brooklyn Vega credited football with shaping his character and future aspirations.

“Football has helped me develop leadership and brotherhood. Coach is my mentor; he’s a leader. I respect him. The teachers are amazing; they’re great and supportive.” Vega said his goal is to play Division I football before pursuing a career in law enforcement.

The coaches said those values- character, accountability, and perseverance- are just as important as winning football games. 

Jordan Head Coach Rashaad Penny said his message to players is simple. “We have nothing but talent on our campus, and our players have to believe in themselves.”

For Lakewood Head Coach Mario Morales, success is defined by the lessons students carry long after the final whistle.

“We teach brotherhood. It won’t always be perfect; there will be challenges, but we will find ways to get through them. We want them to win in life as they move into adulthood.