Malden readies for Saturday football scrimmage

MALDEN — The Malden High School football team takes the next step toward its season this coming Saturday.

A scrimmage is set for 10 a.m. Admission will be one sports drink.

First-year Malden head coach Shane Kearbey, who had been an assistant with the Green Wave for two seasons, said the event could follow one of two formats.

Either there will be a controlled scrimmage, or what's referred to as green-and-gold competitions.

Kearbey said it's all dependent on numbers. However, the coach reported there are currently 32 players on the roster.

“The last couple of years have been rough with numbers,” Kearbey said. “But, we are starting building up the numbers again.”

Malden went 3-7 during the 2021 season. Last season, the Green Wave hit rock bottom with a winless campaign. They came closest to a win on Sept. 30, a 30-26 loss to East Prairie.

Coming up on Aug. 18, Malden will participate in a jamboree at Charleston, which will also feature Doniphan and East Prairie.

“I believe we will get a good look at our team,” Kearbey said. “It's going to be a challenge. I hope we'll get out there and execute. There will be some good teams to push us.”

Malden's 2023 schedule isn't easy, opening with two games on the road at Caruthersville and Kelly (in Benton). The Green Wave home opener is set for Sept. 8 versus Charleston.

During last year's turbulent season, then head coach and current Malden superintendent stepped down after the second game. Brian Vent served as the acting head coach.

The team also suffered an outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and a rash of injuries, which certainly didn't help matters any.

But, hope springs eternal for Malden. Kearbey reported there's a new scoreboard complete with video display plus new public address system, press box and bleachers.

The district also hired an unnamed Tennessee-based turf management company to help improve the field surface.

Malden's last winning season came in 2017 when the Green Wave posted a 10-2 record, which included playoff victories over Kelly and East Prairie en route to a district runner-up finish.

Before the scrimmage takes place, a team photo has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday.