Montgomery seniors – and now best of friends – Michael Schmelzer, Jr., and Matt D’Avino at Big Central Media Days at Iron Peak Sports & Events in Hillsborough on August 16, 2023. (Photo: Mike Pavlichko)
So many successful high school football teams get that extra boost when a group of players have known each other their whole lives, and develop a bond.
Michael Schmelzer, Jr. and Matt D’Avino weren’t always the best of friends, but that competitiveness – going back to fourth grade for the duo – has made their bond tighter now that they’re on the same team, and have been for several years.
The two seniors figure most prominently when Schmelzer is throwing the ball on offense, and D’Avino is catching it. And, of course, there is the steadying hand of Zoran Milich, who’s now in his 22nd season as Montgomery’s varsity head coach, the only one the program has ever had.
But Schmelzer and D’Avino put up big numbers last year, and more of the same – and more of it – are expected this season. Schmelzer threw for 1,658 yards and 25 touchdowns a year ago, while D’Avino’s 1,053 yards receiving and 14 TDs represent about a third of his quarterback’s output.
That’s a combo you just can’t make up.
Click below to hear Mike Pavlichko at Big Central Media Day’s with Montgomery Head coach Zoran Milich and seniors Michael Schmelzer, Jr., and Matt D’Avino:
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