Fifth SMACM Athletix Football Media Day showcases why the Mississippi Gulf Coast has something to say
The road to the 2026 high school football season is officially underway as the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s football programs gather for three days of excitement, interviews, and season previews during the annual SMACM Athletix Football Media Days at Woody’s Roadside in Gulfport. The event brings together all 25 Mississippi Gulf Coast high school head football coaches, along with several standout players from each program, to discuss their teams ahead of kickoff this fall.
Coaches and athletes are sharing their expectations for the upcoming season, highlighting key returning contributors, introducing impactful newcomers, and reflecting on the work their teams have put in throughout the spring and summer. More than just a preseason event, organizers say Media Days are designed to shine a spotlight on local student-athletes and give every program a platform to tell its story.
“SMACM Athletix Media Days are a chance for all the coaches and players to get an opportunity to tell us how the summer went and how the spring went and just show what the Coast has,” said SMACM Athletix founder Shabazz McClellan. “Bingo always dubbed the term, ‘The Coast has something to say,’ so we give them opportunities and a platform to tell us what they’ve got.”
McClellan said the event is driven by a passion for showcasing the athletes and coaches who represent the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“It’s really a passion,” he said. “Everybody has a story and a journey, and we love giving them an opportunity to shine their light.”
That same mission is shared by Seneca Hampton of Bingo Media LLC, who said the vision for promoting Coast athletics is rooted in both faith and community pride.
“I give all glory to God,” Hampton said. “He gave me this vision, and I’m just a soldier—I execute it. I’m from here, and I’m rooted here, so I know the beauty we have on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A lot of people have their own stigma about us, but this is a beautiful place, and I’m proud to show it off. My passion is sports, and I like to pour into sports with the youth because they’re our future.”
For Corey Crockett of Pristine Media, the inspiration came from wanting to highlight local athletes whose talents often go unnoticed.
“It started with Jordan Stapleton last year,” Crockett said. “I wanted to highlight him as a player because he was so talented, and that’s true for so many players on the Coast. I don’t feel like we get enough coverage, so I wanted to showcase these athletes and what they have to offer.”
Crockett said watching athletes see themselves featured through interviews and highlight videos makes the work especially meaningful.
“When they see themselves on camera and they see those highlights, the way they light up is amazing,” he said. “I do weddings, podcasts, and a lot of different things, but my passion is sports.”
As anticipation continues to build for the 2026 season, SMACM Athletix Football Media Days are once again providing Gulf Coast programs with an opportunity to share their stories, celebrate their athletes, and remind everyone that Coast football continues to make its mark.
