By The People’s Paper MS
MENDENHALL — Mendenhall quarterback Ty Davis knows the spotlight is never just about one player.
Davis, a Class of 2028 quarterback for the Tigers, said his nomination for Channel 16’s Player of the Week means a lot to him, especially because it gives Mendenhall football an opportunity to receive some well-deserved recognition.
But, when Davis talks about his success, he is quick to turn the attention toward the teammates who help make it happen.
“It means a lot to me to be able to represent my school because my school doesn’t get very much recognition,” Davis said. “I feel like this will help get more looks.”
Then he shifted the credit to the offensive line.
“All the credit goes to the men up front for even giving me the time to get those passes off and to be able to run the ball and be electric,” Davis said.
Davis helped lead Mendenhall to a 32–24 victory over Callaway last week, throwing for 155 yards and two touchdowns while adding 60 rushing yards. The win moved the Tigers to 5–0.
Setting the Tone in Practice
For Davis, leadership does not begin under the Friday night lights. It starts when the Tigers take the practice field each week.
He said he tries to give his teammates a pep talk at the beginning of practice, helping set the tone for the work that needs to be done before game day arrives.
“Coach Allen always says, ‘If you work Monday through Thursday, you get paid on Friday,’” Davis said.
Photo Courtesy: Mendenhall HS Football FB Page
That message has become part of how Davis approaches his role.
He wants the Tigers to bring energy, focus and purpose to practice because he understands that what happens during the week can make a difference when Friday night arrives.
Building Trust With His Coaches
Davis said he has developed a strong relationship with Coach Deion, whom he credits with helping him grow as a quarterback and better understand the offense.
“I feel that myself and Coach Deion have a very great bond because we always work together to make the best for the offense, to get us in the end zone and execute plays,” Davis said.
Davis said his coach takes the time to explain the game to him while also treating him with maturity.
“His playbook has helped me because he treats me like a young adult and breaks things down to let me know when to run and when not to run,” Davis said.
That kind of trust matters for a quarterback who has to make quick decisions on every snap, whether that means delivering the ball, taking off running or simply resetting after a difficult play.
Staying Calm Under Pressure
Davis also believes leadership is about more than what happens with the football in his hands.
Sometimes, it is about how you carry yourself.
He follows a principle he said his coaches regularly reinforce: stay calm, keep a poker face and do not let frustration take over when adversity hits.
“The rest of the offense feeds off of my emotions,” Davis said.
It is a lesson that reaches beyond football.
Davis understands that a quarterback’s body language can affect the confidence, energy and focus of the players around him. When he stays composed, he believes the offense has a better chance to remain locked in and keep competing.
One Week at a Time
Now, as Mendenhall prepares for Friday night’s district opener against Forest, Davis said the Tigers are keeping their focus where it needs to be.
One game at a time.
“My goal is to go 1–0 every Friday, stay consistent and keep my players motivated to keep going through the week and be ready for Friday,” he said.
For a 5–0 Tigers team, there is plenty to be excited about.
But Davis knows the work does not stop there.
The Tigers will host the Forest Bearcats at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, in Mendenhall.
