Article submitted by Lee Dugas
MOUNT VERNON – It’s often said that the only thing constant in life is change! Well that is ever so true in this crazy game that America loves so much called football. The Mt Vernon Militia has recently gone through some drastic changes. Visionary, Owner, Head Coach Lee Dugas has recently made some big time changes to set up our local Militia up for success.
After leading the Militia out of the gates 3 years ago – and establishing a base – he has decided to turn over the reigns of Head Coach to his Defensive Coordinator – Shawn Dennis. Lee feels that it is the right time for him to step down or step up if you will, and submerse himself solely in the role of Owner / Manager. Lee will now finally be able to do what his true calling is and that is to grow, market, and administratively manage the operation. For those players and individuals who have spent anytime around Lee, can tell you that Lee is a big believer in “Players play & Coaches coach!” Well if that is the case….then Coaches Coach & Owners own (Manage). Self admittedly – Lee Stated “It’s near impossible to hold down both roles (Owner & Coach) – and do them both effectively.” So Lee will now become the official “Jerry Jones” of the organization. In a recent interview – Lee said, “A large part of the reason I was so reluctant to turning over the reigns to just anyone to Head Coach – is – this is my baby. I started this, grew this, and there was just not anyone I felt comfortable enough turning it over too. Then I met Coach Shawn Dennis. Are we different? Absolutely! He is a lil more saltier than me, he is probably more of a disciplinarian than I am, but most importantly, he knows the game, and knows how to develop players.” Lee will now be able to best utilize his talents in solely the Management area – from recruiting to sponsorship to facilities.
The Head Coach named assuming the helm is previously Defensive Coordinator Shawn Dennis. Coach Dennis has a long history in the game as he was a standout prep player here in Mt Vernon as well as going on to the collegiate level and the semi-pro level as well. His depth of knowledge, passion, and veracity for the game has been serving the Militia well! Coach Shawn’s “Shut-down” style of defense has been a welcomed addition to the organization and has turned heads through-out the league!.
With this being said – this past weekend, the Militia hosted the Ohio Valley Jaguars out of the Xenia, OH area – and won a very hard fought defensive struggle: 6-0 in the last minutes of the game. For you football purists / enthusiasts – you know this screams: nothing fancy, nothing sexy, but a true hard defensive struggle! This may not sound like much of an accomplishment – but this is the very team that handed the Militia it’s worse defeat 5 weeks prior, by a score 36-8, so the Militia had something to prove.
As of today – the Militia are 5-5, and 3-2 in conference play and yes second place in their division.
This past week – the Militia were led by QB Ryan Ball, FB David Keck, and RB Ralphie Hughley. This trio rushed for 353 yards – while Ryan Ball tossed the pigskin multiple times for a total of 38 yards to one of his stand out tight ends – Zachary Behar.
The defense was spearheaded by MLB Pierre Jackson, & DE Chuck Miller. Pierre had a whopping 13 tackles, 8 assists, 1 forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
The Militia’s final game is on the road this coming week in Cincinnati against the Southern Ohio Buckeye’s. The Militia loss to the Buckeye’s in their home opener this year by a score of 30-10. So once again – the Militia have something to prove. Although they are barely out of the play-offs for this year – it is important that they go out with a bang and with a strong solid 3 wins in their final games. Coach Shawn stated “Ending strong is imperative to our recruiting efforts for next year”. That’s right, the recruiting for the 2015 season has already begun.
It is both Lee & Coach Shawn’s feelings, goals, and expectations that they are stacking the deck and getting ready to make a serious run for the Semi Pro National Championship next year. The talent level and depth that is being recruited to Mt Vernon is being notice by everyone in the league.
We currently have 3 players that have either played in the NFL or have attended NFL combines, we have 10 different guys that have played at the collegiate level. So what has started – what might have appeared to be a backyard / hobby team – is really shaping into a state wide and national contender!
Anyone interested in playing or coaching for the 2015 season – please do not hesitate to contact Lee Dugas at 740 507 9370 or email at CoachDugas@gmail.com or go to the website at: www.mtvmilitia.com.
