For senior football player Marrel Davis, speed was never the problem; humility was.

After suffering a hamstring injury during his junior track season, Marrel decided to switch his focus from track to the turf. On the football field, Marrel discovered his speed could only take him so far. Being on the Summer Creek football team, Marrel was humbled and realized he had to learn the game of football and that his speed alone would not be enough to get him to where he wanted to be.

“If you want to be a part of Summer Creek’s program, you have to earn it,” Marrel said.

Over the last four years, Marrel has experienced ups and downs, but has proven himself to be a key part of what Summer Creek has built. Being on the team has taught him a lot of lessons, but has specifically taught him how to overcome challenges.

“Summer Creek football has taught me how to face adversity head-on and attack every obstacle that stands in my way,” Marrel said.

In the last four years, Marrel has faced many challenges, some of which include losing at state his sophomore year, causing him to feel like he let the seniors on the team down. That offseason, he worked even harder to ensure that would never happen again. Unfortunately, in his junior year, the team fell short and lost to Vandergrift in the fifth round of the playoffs.

“The feeling being so close to being a champion drove me that entire off-season,” Davis said.

For his senior season, Marrel plans to help lead his team back to AT&T Stadium for the State Championship for the second time in school history.

“I have a bronze and silver medal at home,” he said. “This year I’m chasing the gold, I want to finish what I started.”

His fondest memory of finishing what they started at Summer Creek was from his sophomore year when they defeated Hightower High School after being down 31-20 with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. He then caught an interception at the end of the game, sealing the Bulldogs’ win.

“That showed me that no one is going to do stuff for you; if you want something, you have to go get it done,” Marrel said.

That realization changed the course of his high school career. Now, for his senior season, Marrel wants to finish the season on a high note. The Bulldogs are currently 6-1 and plan to maintain their momentum.

Davis is committed to Texas State to continue his football career. He has worked his way to be a top 100 defensive back in the state and is noted as a 3-star athlete. His journey from the track to Friday night lights taught him that it takes more than talent to be great; it requires hard work and humility. As he closes out his final season with the Bulldogs, his focus remains on his goals, teammates and faith in the process. In doing this, he has discovered something even greater than gold: the power of turning adversity into purpose.