McKenzie Hosts Milan for Scrimmage

By Brad Sam, brad@mckenziebanner.com • July 24, 2026

From the Jul 28, 2026 e-Edition

Rebel running back Navadius Owens finds a gap for a good gain. Photo by Brad Sam/The Banner

McKENZIE (July 23) — McKenzie Middle School football hosted Milan Thursday evening at Rebel Stadium for a scrimmage with the regular season quickly approaching.

The teams alternated running eight plays straight on offense, regardless of result, to help both offenses and defenses to establish a rhythm and get a feel for the flow of the game.

The Rebels head into the year with a familiar set of faces on the coaching staff, but with a new head coach at the helm, McKenzie High School alum and lifelong McKenzie resident Jay Taylor.

Coach Taylor told The Banner upon his hiring in April, "I'm excited. I've been investing in a lot of other people and other communities, and now I have an opportunity to invest in my own."

Taylor said he hopes to help the football program succeed at a high level.

The MMS Rebels host their annual jamboree on Saturday, August 1 at 5 p.m., featuring 5-8 teams playing two half-field scrimmages simultaneously.

The regular season begins Thursday, August 6 as the Rebels host Union City at 6:30 p.m.