The start of a new football season is about to begin as the new head coach, Damon Wilson, looks to bring the team back to its glory days.

On Saturday, the Morgan State Bears will face Georgia Southern University at 6 p.m. in Statesboro, Ga. Although it is just the season opener, Wilson said the team is set on winning a championship this year.

“Continue to get better and focus on winning a championship,” said Wilson. “That’s the primary focus right now.”

Wilson was previously the head coach at Bowie State University. He made it to three straight Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference championships in 2018, 2019, and 2021. 

The last championship Morgan State won was a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title in 2014. 

Prior to that, the Bears had not won a championship since 1979.

With their previous season record of 2-9, the Bears are looking to get right back in the mix and win a championship title. 

While he was the head coach at Bowie State University, Wilson won three straight Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference championships, and he hopes to do the same at Morgan.

The players on the team are also looking forward to this season as well. With Wilson as their new head coach, they believe the team will be better than last year.

Erick Hunter, who plays linebacker for the Bears, is all-in for Wilson and the season with the team. 

“Everybody here is just ready to win,” he said.

Hunter is confident that the Bears will win many games this season under a coach who has a history of being a winner.

The culture of the team in the locker room is “amazing,” according to Hunter.

Like Hunter, quarterback Malcolm Brown also has a lot of confidence in Wilson.

He said, “We like him a lot and trust his leadership. We know that he has instilled a championship culture throughout the program. He is very well respected and gives the team confidence for the season.”

With the team looking forward to this season in high spirits, they believe there will be a lot of improvement.

“Everybody is just doing what their role is,’ said Hunter. “Everybody seems to be on the same sheet of music right now.” 

Saturday’s game will be streamed live on ESPN3 and broadcasted on WEAA 88.9.