By Matt Browning
The numbers Maize South’s Tate McNew put up last season were something out of a video game.
In just 11 games, he threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, while also adding 14 more touchdowns on the ground.
But many of McNew’s weapons from last year graduated, so he trained in the offseason to alter his approach to the position.
“I’ve wanted to improve my ability to extend plays,” McNew said. “Last year we had some great talent around me. Sammy Dresie, Jeron Askren, Darius Felton and Landen Gatto – all of them graduated other than Landen. It made it easy to get the ball out fast and work quick. But also, since they were such great athletes and adjusted quickly it made it easy to extend plays. My goal is to get those other guys to adapt with me to elevate our on the fly offense, because not every play is going to be ran perfectly.”
The Mavericks have gone 33-17 over the past five seasons, but there is one thing that is missing from their resume. McNew is hoping this is the year Maize South gets over the hump.
“I would like to lead our team to a repeat regional championship and a state championship appearance,” McNew said. “Maize South has never been to the state title game, and with it being my last year, what better time than now.”
With so many new faces this year, there is some uncertainty about how the season will play out for Maize South. But McNew knows the success of the team starts with him.
“I feel with the new guys taking spots it’s gives me the opportunity to elevate my game to the next level,” McNew said. “With having so many new guys, it gives me a bigger sense of responsibility and leadership, and it has only elevated my dedication to the team.”
