It was more than just the Macomb Dakota football team making a statement at Ford Field Nov. 25 in the Division 1 state title game.

A rabid fan base, ranging from most of the high school’s 2,000-plus student body to its many proud parents and alumni, was also in full effect as the Cougars dethroned the two-time defending champs from Rockford High.

“I think that it’s an outstanding experience for the kids participating, from the football players, the cheerleaders, the dance team, the band and the students,” said Michael Fusco, Dakota’s nine-year athletic director, just before the title game’s kickoff. “It also provides the opportunity for an outstanding experience for our parents and our community members.”

Everyone getting involved is exactly what the Dakota football team has been about since its inaugural season in 1998 — the school opened in 1994 — when a packed Cougars stadium on a fall Friday night became the norm.

“It’s been awesome,” said senior Sara Smider, part of the team’s large cheering section. “Everyone’s been psycho about the team. Everyone’s getting involved and cheering for them.”

Laura Stallons, mother of star senior quarterback, James Stallons, was among those hoping the team’s state title dreams would come true on this day.

“I’m nervous, I’m excited,” she said, surrounded by family and friends. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I couldn’t be prouder of him, win or lose. The whole team, they’ve worked really hard.”

Leaders, friends James Stallons and running back Greg Gay were senior co-captains this season. Not only did their outstanding play lead the way for the Cougars on the field, but their friendship showed how close this team was off it, as well.

“They’re best friends,” Giannone said. “They’ve been leaders throughout, which is kind of a neat thing, allowing them to lead the whole program right through.”

The buddies had the most varsity experience on the team, going back to their sophomore season, and they let it show on the biggest stage of their careers.

In the final, James Stallons went 9-of-13 for 202 yards and a touchdown — a 76-yard strike to Gay, who gained 155 total yards and had three other visits to the end zone.

“It’s awesome, we practice it,” James Stallons said of the long TD toss to Gay. “To come up with him and end up at Ford Field in the state championship game … it’s what best friends talk about doing, and for it to come true is awesome.”

History lesson
Dakota had fallen in the state semifinal game three times before making it over the hump this year, and the Cougars weren’t overwhelmed once they got to the final.

“Our guys were loose,” coach Mike Giannone said. “Maybe sometimes too loose for my liking, but we let them be that way, and it worked out to our benefit.”

Despite falling in the semifinals as recently as last season, make no mistake, this Dakota team knew how to win — the program has earned four regional titles and five district championships for its school’s trophy case.

Now the Cougars have the ultimate piece of hardware to display.

They have also captured the championship in the Macomb Area Conference Red Division, considered one of the state’s toughest leagues, three times, including this season.

Giannone, the only coach in Dakota’s program history, has play-called his team to a 72-26 record. It went 13-1 this year en route to the school’s first-ever state title.

Enjoying the moment
“It’s outstanding,” Giannone said of winning it all. “It’s a feeling that you can’t really express. I don’t think it’s hit me right now, and it probably won’t till I get back to school and see all the people. But right now with all the emotion and all the excitement here, it hasn’t really hit me. But we’re state champs, and that’s a big statement.”

Are there already thoughts of a repeat?

“Right now, I’m not thinking about next year,” junior defensive back Rodney Hush said. “But when I do, I’ll know we have a great team because those seniors taught us so much.”

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