The first week of games begins on Aug. 21, and opening night is sure to be action-packed with five different matchups taking place throughout the conference. But before we can officially kick off the 2025 season, here’s how our teams fared last year and what spectators can expect on the gridiron in the MCC ahead of the first game.

Blackbourn Division

With an impressive 6-1 record, the Obama Cougars reigned supreme in the Blackbourn Division. The champion squad featured a combined 16 all-conference honorees across both the first and second teams and earned the Offensive Player of the Year (Jonathan Brantley), Head Coach of the Year (Nicholas Craft) and Assistant Coach of the Year (Steven Ivory) awards. The Cougars’ dynamic on offense will be one to watch as Brantley, the conference’s leader in passing yards (1,085) and an integral piece to Obama’s offense, graduated with the class of 2025.  

At 5-2, the Washington Purgolders narrowly missed the crown in the Blackbourn Division. This year’s matchup (scheduled for Oct. 16) between Obama and Washington will be highly anticipated, as the Cougars edged the Purgolders in a nail-biter, 22-20, last October.

While those two teams eye a spot at the top of the conference, the Bay View Redcats, both veteran and rookie, have been putting in the work this offseason, ready to make a name for themselves in the division. Christopher Edwards, a junior at Bay View, is excited about the young talent coming into the Bay View program for the 2025 season.

“We got a lot of new faces, a lot of new freshmen coming in, so hopefully we can build on that momentum,” said Edwards. “And, hopefully, we could get a winning season this year.” 

Redcats junior Larry McCain echoed Edwards, adding, “I’m liking what I see. I’m liking the improvement, and maybe we might be able to do something different and better this year.”

Richardson Division

On the other side of the MCC, the Rufus King Generals stamped their name into the history books with a perfect 7-0 record in the Richardson Division. Last year’s squad was led by the Offensive Lineman of the Year (Emerson Allen Jr.), Defensive Lineman of the Year (Khadin Williamson) and Defensive Player of the Year (Lamarcus Vinson Jr.), reflecting the team’s high level of play across the board. 

However, as head coach Tom Wozniak noted, the immediate future of Rufus King football may look a little different this season. 

“We have a younger team than we’ve had in a few years past,” said Wozniak. “I’m just looking forward to the growth that we’re going to have and the success that we’re going to have with building our culture and building up these young men.”

Current Rufus King student-athletes are focused on achieving another clean slate this fall. 

“I’m looking to go undefeated,” said Simonique Carter Jr., a senior defensive back for the Generals. “Me and my brothers have been working all year, and I feel like no one can mess with us.”

The Hamilton Wildcats posted a 6-1 record in the Richardson Division in 2024, with their sole loss coming against the reigning conference champions. Hamilton is gearing up for another season of competition with co-Coach of the Year Will Landingham Jr. and the MCC’s leading rusher Latayvious Brown (1,492 yards) returning to the sidelines — a run to the top of the standings could be in play for the Wildcats this season. 

With undeniable talent and fierce competition brewing across both divisions, the 2025 football season promises to be nothing short of exciting. Keep up with all the action by visiting the 

MCC website for schedule updates and ticketing information.

Week 1 Games

Thursday, August 21

(4:30 p.m.) Hamilton / Vincent @ South Stadium 

(6:00 p.m.) Pulaski / Bay View @ Pulaski Stadium

(7:00 p.m.) Riverside / Wauwatosa East @ Hart Park Playground

(7:00 p.m.) Bradley Tech / Washington @ South Stadium

Friday, August 22

(6:00 p.m.) Reagan / St. Francis @ Pulaski Stadium

(7:00 p.m.) Rufus King / Howards Grove @ Howards Grove High School