Last Friday night, Zeke Vought, the new head football coach of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) led the team to an exciting overtime victory against Monomoy at the annual homecoming game. It was the team’s first win of the season.
Coach Zeke graduated from MVRHS in 1993, and played football for three of his four years. He currently works in the building as an educational support professional (ESP), and has been involved in the football program on the Island since 2012.
“Coaching is my favorite part of the day,” Coach Zeke said. He added, “Well, usually. I like being out with the kids. I like trying to teach them to have good character and to be resilient, to push through difficult times and have fun.”
This year’s football team has seen an increase in younger and less experienced players. Trust-building approaches like holding team dinners and meaningful conversations have helped players withstand the pressure.
Due to Coach Zeke’s long history with the program, players have adjusted quickly to having him as their head coach, and are responding to his encouraging coaching style.
Junior Matthew Alves has been a part of the football team for almost five years, and is one of four team captains. “I already knew [Coach Zeke] personally, and had experienced some of his coaching style before the season,” said Matthew. “He loves the game, and treats us like family. He pushes and motivates us to improve and build something we can be proud of, both on and off the field. He wants to help us become not only better football players but better men.”
Junior Lorenzo Diaz, who is a varsity slotback and outside linebacker on the team, has had a longstanding connection with Coach Zeke. “I worked very closely with Zeke my sophomore year. I can always tell he truly cares about football, the players, and the community.”
Even though the team has experienced three losses this season, they have kept a positive attitude, and continue to work hard. Matthew said, “We know what we’re capable of as a team, even when things get tough. We believed in ourselves, and we knew we had the potential to turn things around.”
More communication between the football team and cheer team this year has been encouraged by Coach Zeke.
Junior Nora Duncheva said, “As a cheerleader, I can see how [Coach Zeke] is really paying attention to the kids. He cares about their health, of course physically, but mentally as well. He has been active in getting the cheer team more involved for community bonding.”
Lorenzo said, “The cheerleaders make a big difference for the football team. At the end of the day, having that support, knowing that the cheerleaders are there, win or lose, makes a big difference.”
The MVRHS football team is an integral part of the Island’s culture, and the football program has long been supported by the broader Vineyard community. At the end of Spirit Week, the stands were packed with support for the Island’s football team.
“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to play football,” said Lorenzo. “It was a huge part of me. Being able to play at this school has been an amazing opportunity. I’m grateful for this program, because it caused a turning point for me.”
“We know we still have work to do, and to not let this one win get to our heads. If we continue to push each other and be careful, for potential the sky’s the limit for what this team can accomplish. I’m excited about what the future holds for this program,” said Matthew.
