The 2024 Mullins Auctioneers football season marked a dramatic improvement and a promising future for the team, thanks to the leadership of second-year head coach Marc Lowery. After a winless 2023 campaign, Coach Lowery’s team rebounded in a major way, finishing the regular season with a strong 7-3 record, including an impressive six-game winning streak. The season culminated with a trip to the state playoffs, where they faced off against a tough Phillip Simmons team in the first round, ultimately falling short. However, the Auctioneers’ performance throughout the season showed significant growth and set the stage for an exciting 2025 season. Offensive Highlights:      The 2024 Mullins offense was led by a talented group of players, with the leadership of quarterback KaNazzion Bethea at the helm. Bethea, a dynamic playmaker, was instrumental in driving the offense, delivering both through the air and with his legs. His ability to make key plays in critical moments was a cornerstone of the team’s success.      On the receiving end of Bethea’s passes, juniors: Justin Reavis and Amir Lee emerged as go-to targets. Reavis and Lee showcased their skills as reliable playmakers, making big catches and contributing significantly to the team’s offensive production. Sophomore running back Anthony Cambell also proved himself as a rising star in the backfield, showing steady improvement throughout the season. Cambell’s ability to find holes and gain consistent yardage in the run game added another dimension to the Auctioneers’ offense and allowed them to control the clock. Defensive Dominance:      The Mullins defense, much like the offense, saw a major improvement in 2024. The unit was anchored by the leadership of senior defensive linemen Lonnie Alston and Jamell Crawford, who provided a strong presence up front. Both Alston and Crawford were disruptive forces, controlling the line of scrimmage and creating havoc for opposing offenses. The defensive ends, juniors Ayntwain Crawford and Braden Hughes, played a key role in the pass rush, while also setting the edge and preventing outside runs. Their ability to apply pressure on quarterbacks and disrupt offensive schemes was vital to the team’s overall defensive success.      In the heart of the defense, sophomores Nathan Peracki and junior Andre Littlejohn held down the middle linebacker spots. Both players were active in stopping the run and covering passes, showing maturity beyond their years. The secondary was also a strength for the Auctioneers, with senior Labron Avant, junior Deyon Ford, and sophomore Kadarai Worley all contributing at a high level. Their ability to cover receivers, force turnovers, and provide support in run defense helped make the Mullins defense one of the most improved units in the region. A Bright Future for Mullins Football:      Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the future of Mullins Auctioneers football looks incredibly promising. With a roster full of returning talent, including key players like Bethea, Reaves, Lee, Cambell, and a defense that will be anchored by veterans such as Hughes, Crawford, Littlejohn, and rising stars like Peracki and Worley, the Auctioneers will look to build on the momentum generated from their successful 2024 campaign.      Coach Marc Lowery’s second season showed that the program is on the rise, and with continued development and experience, the team is poised to compete at an even higher level next year. The 2024 season will be remembered as a turning point, and the Mullins Auctioneers are ready to take the next step toward becoming a perennial contender in their region.