Old coach looks to redeem MV football
By George Starks 

UNION CITY- In the last 25 football games at Mississinawa Valley, the Hawks haven’t exactly overwhelmed their opponents. 

In fact, they have overwhelmed none of them going 0-25 in that stretch. 

Now a familiar face has resurfaced in Blackhawk Nation. That being the familiar face of John Graher. 

Graher was the last coach to get the Hawks into the post season and since his departure, MV football has fallen on hard times once again. 

With 30 kids going out for football this season, that is a significant increase over past years when 19 was the norm and once the number in uniform was a mere 16, threatening the cancellation of the season. 

“We are on a 0-25 run right now and we need to turn that around,” said Graher. “When we were here before, we had some success at doing some things and we went to the play-offs and such so hopefully we can get back to that soon.” 

Graher admitted it won’t be easy. 

“It’s hard to come back a second time and duplicate what you did before,” Graher stated. “It’s really tough to do, but we will get there. We just have to take it one day at a time. It’s not necessarily who you pick, but who you play as a team.” 

Graher also talked about the schedule, knowing his kids have to be up to the challenge every Friday. 

“If everyone is tough on our schedule, then that’s the way it is,” Graher pointed out. “If they are even with us, then we have a chance. If they are less even than us, then we have a better chance. It just depends on the schedule and the schedule is just as tough as it ever has been. We just have to take it one day at a time.” 

So why did Graher want to return to MV? 

“Everyone here was really nice to me and my family,” Graher admitted. “My wife and two daughters were accepted here, so I have really fond memories. I’m grateful and humbled that they gave me an opportunity to come back and that is a rarity.” 

On his staff are three ex MV football players and Graher is happy to have them. 

“We have Brandon Williams, Steven Trobridge and Mason Townsend,” Graher said. “These are three very nice, knowledgeable young men that know the game of football. I’m really happy to have them.” 

Of the 30 kids, nine of them are seniors, so the base for the team will be established. 

“These are some good young men,” admitted Graher. “They are learning a new system and I am the third coach they’ve had so they probably get bummed out about it. I’m happy for the coaches that came before us. They kept the program going.” 

After two 0-10 seasons, Graher, like any other coach wants to go undefeated. 

Mississinawa Valley will open with Union City in the Battle of the Hub on opening night at Union City Community High School.