Hamner, McCay sign to play college ball
Published 6:18 pm Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Present at the signing ceremony for graduating Maplesville football players Matt Hamner and Hunter McCay (seated, center) were (seated) Lori Reynolds, Suzy McCay (standing) Eric Bailey, Jerry Harrison, Morgan Hamner, Dawson Thomas, Peggy Harrison, Mike McCay, Tate Leonard, Maggie Hicks and Brent Hubbert.
Cousins Matt Hamner and Hunter McCay have been playing football together since they were six years old, but it’s almost time for them to go their separate ways.
The quarterback and running back, respectively, that put up jaw dropping numbers and helped Maplesville to a 40-8 record in their varsity careers will take their talents to the college ranks.
Hamner signed with Holmes Community College in Goodman, Miss., and McCay signed with Huntingdon College in a joint ceremony Friday.
Hamner completed 257 passes in 408 attempts in a Maplesville uniform for 5,273 yards and 53 touchdowns. He also rushed for 525 yards and 15 TDs.
McCay rushed 423 times for 3,788 yards and 61 scores. He had 18 catches for 450 yards and four touchdowns and 26 kickoff returns for 1,105 yards and four more TDs.
“One thing that’s lacking in college athletics today—and you see and hear about it all the time now—is these are two good guys,” MHS Coach Brent Hubbert said. “They’re athletic ability happens to be good enough to play at the next level, but that’s secondary to them being good people.”
Both chose to play for programs that run offenses similar to Maplesville’s spread.
Hamner said the familiarity with the offensive system should give him an advantage. He said he wants to continue working in the weight room but that he feels prepared mentally.
In addition to X’s and O’s, Hamner said he liked Holmes as a school.
“It’s not huge, but it’s pretty big for a junior college,” he said.
Hamner was offered a full, two-year scholarship.
McCay said he was told he would definitely return kicks for Huntingdon and that he would have a shot at the No. 1 running back spot in his second year, after he plays the required four games at the junior varsity level.
“Hunter has a lot of stuff you just don’t coach,” Hubbert said. “You put it in his hands and watch him go.”
McCay said Huntingdon’s proximity to home played a role in his decision.
“It came down to a small but highly ranked Division III school, choosing between them and four or five D-I, D-II schools far away from here. I just decided I’d stay a little bit closer to home.”
McCay will be a recipient of the River Region Grant.
