Akron East Football: Brotherhood at Its Core
In Akron, Ohio, the Akron East Dragons football program, under head coach Marques Hayes, has thrived on the concept of brotherhood for 15 seasons. This unity was on full display during their recent match against Ellet, where the Dragons surged to a 38-7 victory, improving their record to 6-1 and 2-0 in the Akron City Series.
Key Performers Shine
The game showcased an array of talent as four players—Elijah Grice, Emmanuel Jefferson, Marcus Council Jr., and Lawrence Cherry Jr.—found the end zone, with Cherry standing out by scoring three touchdowns. Instead of harboring jealousy, teammates supported one another, emphasizing a culture of encouragement.
The Spirit of the Game
Coach Hayes noted, “These guys are really friends… They cheer each other on. They block for each other.” This camaraderie was evident when Grice returned the opening kickoff, acknowledging a teammate’s block that helped him score.
The Dragons’ balanced offense featured significant contributions from Cherry (46 carries for 362 yards), Council (39 carries for 348 yards), and Jefferson (15 carries for 168 yards). Quarterback Naseer Williams-Clay also impressed, completing 60 passes for 933 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
Defensive Strength
Defensively, the Dragons have been formidable, restricting opponents to seven points or less in five of their seven games. Leading the charge are defenders like Cherry and Mariece Fenn, exemplifying the team-first mentality instilled by the coaching staff.
A Culture of Accountability
The leadership of Coach Hayes reinforces this brotherhood. He recently set an example by running extra hills after receiving an unsportsmanlike penalty, demonstrating that accountability is a shared value.
As the Dragons aim for a successful playoff journey, both players and coaches are focused on improvement and teamwork, with aspirations of holding the state championship trophy aloft at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Their motto remains clear: take it game by game, rooted in the strong bonds of brotherhood.
