CINCINNATI — This year has been challenging for a lot of high school football programs across the state, not knowing if the season was going to happen and having to make a lot of adjustments on the fly.

What You Need To Know

  • Hughes STEM High School is playing in their first HS Football playoff game in school history

  • This year’s playoff format allows for all schools to participate

  • Hughes’ head coach Chris Mobley said his team is excited for the opportunity and hopes his young men can pull off at least one win

At Hughes STEM High School, they’re making the playoffs for the first time in school history. But the game will be a challenge because the team has only played three games.  

The Hughes Big Red are 2-1 on the season. Head Coach Chris Mobley said this season has been a challenge, but his guys are excited for the opportunity.

“We’re hopeful; we like our chances,” Mobley said. "You know, first time in school history. We’re not trying to settle for just making it. We’re trying to win a game if we can.”

Mobley said there's a buzz in the community, and it also means a lot to the players because for some on the team, football is all they have. 

“The kids are really excited to be the first team in Hughes history to play in the playoffs,” Mobley said.

One of those excited for the chance to make an impact is junior running back Keyontrez Devaughn. He and his teammates can’t wait for their game against Goshen. 

“We’re ready. We’re hungry. We’re all hungry,” Devaughn said. “We’ve been waiting for this week for a long time. When we heard it was coming, that even made us go harder.” 

Devaughn said the team is focused on the task at hand, and despite the lack of playoff experience, the Big Red is looking to make a splash. 

“Win as many games as we can, we gotta stay motivated and execute and win,” he said.

Mobley said through all the adversity this year, his team is maturing, which makes him very proud to be their coach. 

“People say adversity builds character,” Mobley said. “Our boys really, really appreciate just the fact that we can be out here. Whether we’re playing one or two games or if we’re playing 10 games, you know, just the fact that we can play football. And for our seniors to have a senior year, that’s an amazing thing.”