MRA Standout Pledges to West Point

MRA star defensive lineman Cade Gentry announced his college commitment to play at West Point, marking the second year in a row that MRA will send a football player to the prestigious military academy.

Gentry, a 6’3 260 defensive lineman, is coming off of a dominant junior season, in which he played a major role in MRA making it to the MAIS 6A semifinals last year. 

Those efforts on the defensive side of the ball earned Gentry MAIS 6A All-State honors last season as well. He compiled 58 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 11 quarterback hurries during the 2024 season for the Patriots. Those numbers were good for sixth on the team in total tackles, second on the team in sacks, and second on the team in tackles for loss, establishing Gentry as one of the leaders for the MRA defense. 

Gentry’s commitment to play football at Army marks the second consecutive year that MRA will send a player to play for the football program at West Point. Defensive back Matthew Perkins, a senior on last year’s MRA team, will begin his freshman season for the Army football program in the fall. 

“Blessed and honored to be able to continue my academic and athletic career at Army West Point!” Gentry said in his announcement of his commitment on social media.

MRA will be returning plenty of talent on both sides of the ball this season, including multiple players with Division One offers, making the Patriots one of the favorites to contend for a state title this season. 

MRA finished 9-3 last season, before falling 17-14 to eventual state champion Hartfield Academy in the MAIS 6A semifinals. 

The Patriots will open the 2025 season with a home game against Ravenwood (TN) on August 22nd at 7 PM, followed by a home game against Jefferson Davison County, and an away game at Hartfield Academy to round out the first three weeks of the season.