Mary G. Montgomery has canceled plans to televise its Aug. 21 home season opener against Saraland, Spartans coach Jeff Kelly said Wednesday, ending a broadcast that had been arranged since January.
Kelly said television station officials notified him of the decision, which he said was backed by the Mobile County Public School System. “I was notified by station administration today that the TV broadcast of our first game versus MGM was being cancelled by MGM school officials and (the) MCPSS,” Kelly said in a text message. “We are disappointed in that decision, as it gives kids from both schools a chance to showcase their hard work on TV. Most kids won’t ever get the chance to play on TV and it is an honor.”
As recently as two days before the announcement, the station set to air the game still listed it on its website. Neither the Mobile County Public School System nor the television station returned messages seeking comment.
The Region’s Marquee Rivalry
Saraland and Mary G. Montgomery have been the two dominant programs in the Mobile area over the last four years. Saraland is 40-3 over that span with four straight appearances in the Super 7 state championship round, while MGM is 31-5.
“I just don’t understand the decision to not highlight all the great things about high school sports,” Kelly said. “Nonetheless, we look forward to kicking off our season next week in Semmes against a great opponent.”
MGM’s Turbulent Offseason
The broadcast cancellation comes after a tumultuous three months for Mary G. Montgomery. The Alabama High School Athletic Association ruled the school had violated the organization’s recruiting rule and handed down a one-year restrictive probation and playoff ban, along with a one-year suspension for then-coach Zach Golson. Golson was ultimately removed from his position by the Mobile County Public School System.
Kelly said he was surprised the school pulled out of the broadcast agreement given the negative publicity already surrounding the investigation. “I know they’re a really good team with a lot of great players and a proven coaching staff,” Kelly said. “They’re going to be a tough challenge for anybody.”
Anticipation Once Ran High
Kelly said in January he expected a huge turnout for the game, and Golson said at the time there had been discussion of moving it to Hancock-Whitney Stadium on the University of South Alabama campus. “It’s an exciting way to kick the season off,” Kelly said then. “I know the kids will be excited about that. A lot of those guys know each other. … They’ve had a great run and we’ve been pretty good lately, too.”
Golson, at the time, said his players would be motivated to face Saraland. “They’ve definitely been the standard for the last five to 10 years,” he said. “We’ve been the best two teams in the 251 and that was one of our goals when we got to Mary Montgomery, being the best in the 251. We’re going to get a chance to go prove it. It’ll definitely give our kids something to be motivated about, just knowing that they’re going to get to go play on a big stage like that.”
The teams are still scheduled to meet again in Saraland to open the 2027 season. “If we’re lucky enough to get chosen for the game of the week to open the season next year — or any game for that matter — we would never pass on the opportunity,” Kelly said.