Coming off a strong 2022 in which the Mansfield Tygers went 10-3 overall and 5-1 in conference, head coach Chioke Bradley is preparing the team for a run at what he hopes will be the school’s first OCC championship since 2017.
Last season, the Tygers outscored their opponents 352-169 and were riding an eight-game winning streak with back-to-back shutouts, when they fell in a season-ending Division III, Region 10 semifinals playoff game against Holy Name 17-16, in which then held a 16-3 halftime lead, surrendering two touchdowns on back-to-back drives within two minutes that included a recovered onside kick in the third quarter.
The 2023 squad loses All-OCC first team honorees Mekhi Brdley, Leo Hess and Ricky Mills and second team selections Keontez Bradley, Aaron Thornton, Elias Owens and Sean Putt.
The OCC’s second-leading running back Ricky Mills and top kickoff return specialist Keontez Bradley, who was also second in punt return yardage and was a valuable receiver, both graduated. On defense, four top tacklers have graduated: Mekhi Bradley 113 tackles including 9.5 sacks, Ricky Mills with 96 (with 6.5 sacks), Leo Hess with 85 and Aaron Thornton with 83.
Returning are All-OCC first teamers Amarr Davis and Ahmaan Thomas; second team honoree Duke Reese and Honorable Mention selections Jaden Jones, Carmelo Smith and Zyion Brown.
Quarterback Dondreas “Duke” Reese returns for his senior year after leading the Tygers with 1,827 yards passing and 17 touchdown passes against only five INTs. Leading rusher senior Zyion Brown (689 yards) also returns as does top receiver, senior Amarr Davis who hauled in 45 passes for 838 yards and 10 TDs last year. Second-leading receiver junior Nate Dismuke (23 reception for 328 yards and three TDs) also returns. Dismuke was also the team’s top punt returner. Junior Isaiah Darson looks to continue stepping up on defense, as does senior Symirr Phillips.
The Tygers fell to The Fighting Irish of St. Vincent-St. Mary, 35-14 in the season opener. Mansfield starts their 2023 OCC season at Arlin Field, Friday Sept. 8, hosting reigning OCC champion West Holmes at 7 p.m.
