VYPE: Who has been your favorite coach throughout your career and how did they impact you as a player?
Mackylan Dixon: My favorite coach is KJ Wells. He was my pee-wee coach in 2018. He was most impactful to me as a player because he brought out the best in me. Since he is my cousin, he had no mercy for me and forced me to be the best version of myself all the time.
VYPE: Did you have any teammates that you admire or that supported you?
MD: A teammate that supports me the most is probably Matrail Lopez. He has been a great support to me since I joined the Idabel football team. I admire him because I know he made me better through every practice or 1v1. Iron sharpens iron.
VYPE: Who was your favorite teacher and how were they influential in your life?
MD: This is a tough question, but I think my favorite teacher is probably my mom. My mom has taught me so much and continues to teach me and I’m extremely grateful for her.
VYPE: What preparation have you taken this off-season to better equip yourself for the upcoming season?
MD: After last season, I noticed my weaknesses. Over the summer, I spent time with C4 Sports Training on my mechanics and hand work. Having an open field everyday helps a lot because I can go up there and run drills at any time I want.
VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
MD:Football has taught me that teamwork is the best work. You can’t go through life alone with how many obstacles there are. Having someone by your side helps and I’m thankful for the family I have been a part of these past two years.
VYPE: What has been your favorite memory in your sport?
MD: My favorite memory was when I caught the touchdown to shorten the score by 1 when the team needed it most during my freshman season. It’s every kid’s dream to make a big play like that and I was fortunate enough to be given that chance.
VYPE: What do you hope to accomplish this season?
MD:I hope to have a more successful season than last year. We had a great season last year, but I think we can top it by being district champs and maybe even making it to state.
VYPE: What matchup are you most looking forward to this season?
MD:A matchup my team and I are looking forward to very much is week 10 against the Eufaula Ironheads. Last year we fell short 24-21 in a hard-fought game at their place. This year, it’s time for revenge in a game that should’ve been ours.
VYPE: What are your plans after high school?
MD: My plans after high school are to play college football. I would like to play D1 ball but all I need to do is go to the next level and work my way up from there.
