Nanih Waiya head football coach James Courtney liked what he saw on Wednesday afternoon, with five members of his back-to-back MHSAA Class 1A State Football Championship program signed college scholarships.
Offensive lineman James Resh signed with McPherson, a four-year NAIA school out of Kansas, while twins Donovan and Devean Turner inked with Holmes Community College, Tylan Glass chose Jones College in Ellisville, and Shia Moore signed with Hinds Community College.
“To have five (players) have the ability to play college football is pretty remarkable for a place as small as our school is,” Courtney said. “It sets the standard for our other kids who many not think they can accomplish their goals and their drams. But as we have seen today, it is completely possible.”
The younger members of the football team were in attendance at the signing in the school library.
While Courtney is certainly pleased with picking up state titles in both his seasons as head coach at NW, he said days like Wednesday are important. He also said he expects all five of the Warriors who signed last week to do well.
“They will all work hard, they are good kids, and they have the right mindset,” he said. “That is what it takes. Everybody has got talent on the next level, but these guys know how to work and have a blue collar mentality. That’s what it takes to be successful.”
The 6-foot-2, 290-pound Resh is expected to find playing time early on on the offensive line for McPherson, while the Turners will both be playing linebacker. Moore can play on either side of the ball for Hinds, while Glass likely will get his first shot as a wide-out for Jones, although he could also be a defensive back.
Glass caught 32 passes for 586 yards and seven touchdown last season, while recording 110 tackles on defense. Moore rushed for 703 yards on just 91 carries, while battling injuries.
Donovan Turner passed for 1,352 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Warriors while rushing for 1,119 yards and 16 touchdowns on 176 attempts.
Devean Turner was in on 80 tackles, while rushing for 751 yards and 10 scores.
