As the final whistle blew and the MGR Rockets were narrowly edged out in the championship game, Athletic Director (AD) Tiller took a moment to reflect on the season that was. The Rockets, who had been a dominant force in the league all season, found themselves finishing in second place after a hard-fought battle in the title game.

"Though it was a bitter pill to swallow for the team and its supporters, AD Tiller, known for his thoughtful and measured approach to athletics, was quick to offer a perspective that put the season into a broader context.It’s easy to focus on the outcome the win or the loss but what I want to emphasize is the journey this team has been on, Second place doesn't diminish the hard work, commitment, and growth we’ve seen from these athletes and coaches. In fact, I’m incredibly proud of how far we've come. Coach Jobe and his staff did an incredible job of building a culture that valued every single player, not just the stars. You saw that on the field too. Whether it was a key third-down stop by a backup linebacker or a crucial block by an offensive lineman, everyone played a part in getting us to the final game. Sometimes the best lessons come from the toughest losses. This team is filled with character. They fought until the very end, and I think that’s a testament to how much they care about each other and this program. While we didn’t win it all, I think we’ve set the stage for even greater things to come. For our 8th graders, this may have been their last game, and that’s always difficult. But I hope they can look back and see how much they’ve grown as individuals and as leaders. Their legacy goes beyond the scoreboard. We’ve got a bright future. The foundation has been laid. It’s about continuing to build on that, staying hungry, and learning from what we experienced this season. If we do that, I have no doubt we’ll be back in the championship hunt next year and for many years after that. Second place is something to be proud of. It’s a reflection of all the effort, sacrifice, and dedication you’ve put in. But it also serves as motivation. Now, we’ll work harder, learn from the lessons this season has taught us, and come back stronger than ever".