In the summer of 2025, there was a buzz in Tupelo, Mississippi. The Golden Wave was coming off a strong season.   Tupelo football is the defending state champ for the 2024-25 season. 

The coaching staff and players honed in on their craft. The early practices were positive.

Through adversity, their perseverance and resilience led them along the way.

This football team came into the 2025 preseason with high expectations after finishing the 2024 season 14-0.

This football team is led by JJ Hill (QB, RB), JaReylan McCoy(DE), Iverson McCoy(DB), and Devontray Brewer (middle linebacker). 

“The team prepared for this season like we didn’t even win a championship, we still came to work with a chip on our shoulder because we still have work to do and people to prove wrong,” Anonio Berry said.

Working through the season, Tupelo is determined to stay focused and improve every day, getting stronger and better.

“Working out, getting stronger, and trying to better our techniques was the main goal for the season,” Berry said. 

Tupelo had very tough practices around 8 am every morning. 

“Coach Harden had us running, going in and out of the gym every day trying to build our stamina,” Berry said. “Doing different drills for every position, and going through the motions, is how we’re going to win another state championship.”

Tupelo’s starting quarterback, Braylon Williams, missed a couple of games to start the season. Tupelo had to make a fast adjustment, making their star RB, JJ Hill, the starting quarterback.

“You know stuff happens and you just have to move on,” Berry said. 

Tupelo has a long road ahead of them and games to win.