Marine Military Academy season preview

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Marine Military Academy is a proud institution, and so is its football program. The players’ differences are what create a bond.

"We all come from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and incomes," Aaron Davis Marine Military Academy center/defensive lineman – junior said. "We're all still a family. We're all the same and equal."

“They've always had a good program here. All I want to do here is help in that and continue to bring tradition to it. I want to try to give these kids a piece of Friday night lights," Israel Gracia, Marine Military Academy football coach, said.

Coach Gracia is from Santa Maria and wants to build a winning program at MMA. His first mission is to get his players to buy in.

"Coach brings the team together. He brought the coaching staff with him. He brought other coaches, plays, defense, and aspects," Mason Nesslein, running back/linebacker – junior, said. "They come together and work together for us to be here.”

“This year, we have a lot more motivation to get stuff done. We have a lot more teamwork, and the brotherhood is already coming together, even after the third day," Dash Varner, quarterback/safety – senior, said.

It takes a different type of commitment to play in MMA, as many players are asked to play both ways.

"It’s non-stop. Sometimes you just have to step up, take that leading role. No matter how tired you are, you just have to step up. Be like I got to work twice as hard if I'm playing both ways," Brandon Smith, wide receiver/ defensive back – sophomore, said.

MMA opens its season against Progreso on Friday, August 29, at 7:30 p.m.