Michael Murphy played on the junior varsity team for his freshman and sophomore seasons before becoming a starter on the varsity team as a junior and a captain as a senior. 

During his freshman year, Murphy reluctantly joined the team after coaches and friends strongly advised him to play. Originally, he thought that the sport was not for him.

“I didn’t really want to play,” Murphy said. “But I gave it a try.” 

In his sophomore year, Murphy decided to give football another chance. 

“I finally bought into it,” he said. “I really embraced the culture and brotherhood of football.”

Last season, Murphy played as an outside receiver. After an impressive season, teammates voted Murphy captain for his senior year. As his final season comes to an end, Murphy has only gotten better: across nine games, Murphy has received 390 yards and four touchdowns. 

When he’s not playing football, Murphy likes going on runs and playing his guitars. Murphy also enjoys leading SAC as head prefect.  

Senior Stephen Gill began playing football in the Southwest Football Preparatory League when he was in first grade. 

“It seemed like a normal kind of Texan thing to play football at an early age,” Gill said. 

In sixth grade, he joined the River Oaks Baptist School football program and played as a quarterback. In high school, he played on the junior varsity team for his freshman and sophomore years before joining the varsity team as a junior. 

In his sophomore season, Gill joined All-En 7v7 along with current senior wide-receiver William Haufrect. With his team, Gill has traveled across the country to play in seven-on-seven tournaments, a style of football that removes linemen. 

Last season, Gill was the starting quarterback. Gill helped the Mavericks achieve a 7-3 record, with notable wins against Episcopal School of Dallas and Legacy School of Sports Sciences on senior night. 

In the past two seasons, Gill has thrown for 4173 yards and 48 passing touchdowns. He averages 181.4 all purpose yards per game.

Off the football field, Gill enjoys watching movies, spending time outdoors and hanging out with friends. 

After he graduates, Gill will be playing football at Trinity University. He hopes to either achieve the starting quarterback position or be the backup in his first season. 

Senior captain Barrett Mossman joined the football team in freshman year where he played strong safety. In junior year, he became a varsity starter and now plays cornerback. 

In the past two seasons, Mossman has recorded 85 solo tackles and has assisted on 54. Throughout the last four years, Mossman has also grown close with his team.

“My favorite part of football has been the team bonding,” Mossman said. “We went to Typhoon Texas, had team dinners almost every week and even saw the Minions movie together.” 

Mossman also learned valuable lessons through his high school football career.

“Especially this year, I’ve utilized my time more at school,” Mossman said. “It’s helped me manage my stress a lot.”

Mossman also gained insight into his strength as a leader.

“In general, football showed me what it means to be on a team,” Mossman said. “I’ve definitely become more driven and committed.”

*Did not respond.