MECHANICSVILLE, Va. — Mechanicsville High School entered 2021’s football season with a complete rebranding of their school’s name, kit and colors. The team has gone through a 360 degree turn as they changed their colors and name to revamp their identity and hope for an improved performance on the field.

Formerly known as the Lee Davis High School, Mechanicsville has participated on the football field since 1957. However, the team took the field this year with a complete rebrand of their identity, new colors and a new refined logo.

The football team looks to pick up their standards as well to match the unveil. Although 2021’s fall season didn’t go the way they want, players on the field are still settling to the Mustang’s tag and the expectations that come with the rebrand.

Ryan Turnage, the head coach of the team, believes that the revamp and rebranding haven’t gotten in the way of the team and have only ignited spirits further. Players do have their own opinions, but the general consensus is on raising standards further to glorify this rebranding.

The rebrand was also a topic of conversation as Turnage believe there was a 50-50 consensus on what should be done and what should. However, this wasn’t something that led to division in the locker room. Everyone was united and junior defensive player DaJuan Washington was upbeat about the unity.

“We just try to treat everyone the same,” Washington said. “We don’t really worry about the politics and stuff.”

This was the first year that Mechanicsville High School took the field as Mechanicsville Mustangs, and the players are still adjusting to it. The last two years were poor for the football team as Lee Davis struggled to a poor 3-17 record.

“We always talk about trying to get better,” mentioned player Chase Stattelman. “We come out with a new name; we’ve got to come out sharp.”

“I want to be like a new and improved team,” Turnage added. “We haven’t been too sharp the last couple of years.”

Mechanicsville also took new uniforms to go with the rebranding process. The new colors include a combination of black, purple and orange and are in line with what players want.

“I’ve been asking my coach for an all-black uniform since forever and a half ago,” junior Adam Elaal said. “Now that I’m getting it, I’m pretty hype.”

“The new uniforms are sick,” Washington said. “The all black is going to look cool, the new helmets… we’re just going to look great.”

The new names and uniforms don’t take any of the passion away, as Mechanicsville High look to compete with the same vigor as they have, regardless of the result.

“We’re Mechanicsville High School, we’re the Mustangs and we’re proud to be that,” Turnage said. “We’re going to represent with pride like we always have.”

With intense competition coming up next season, it remains to be seen how the Mustangs perform and settle into their uniforms and colors.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.