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There are now two generations of Moncuses making an impact on the gridiron for the Troup Tigers. Long-time Coach Mike Moncus and sophomore wide receiver Davis Moncus are quite the duo on Friday nights in the fall. Well into his 70s, the elder Moncus has been coaching his grandson in some form or fashion for practically Davis’ entire life. 

Athletics run in the Moncus family and Davis is another in a long line of athletes making an impact in Troup County. Mike, a standout football player at LaGrange High, has been in the coaching business since 1971 and knows a thing or two about what it takes to perform at a high level. He passed this on to his daughter Amanda, a former college softball player, and the two have since passed the torch to Davis.

The torch was truly passed at a young age. Before he could walk without the help of others, Davis was already finding comfort in sports.

“The second that Davis could walk, his mother and I would take him out in the backyard and pitch him balls or he would be out there catching those little rubber footballs with gloves on,” Mike said. “In this day in this world, with athletes, young people need something to commit to. And athletics is a great thing to commit to.”

The love of athletics blossomed in a young Davis. Whether it was soccer, basketball, baseball or football, he found a field or court somewhere to play on.

“When I was younger I wanted to play anything and everything,” Davis said. “Eventually, I had to focus.” 

Every step of the way Amanda and Mike were there to help nurture and coach him up. The tagged team effort has seen Davis develop into a well-rounded young man. 

“My mom has done so much for me and I have no idea what I would do without her,” Davis said. 

It was not just athletics that the elder Moncus’ instilled in his grandson, but also a hard work ethic and the importance of academics. It has paid dividends as Davis’ academic exploits rival anything he has accomplished through athletics.

“Davis is a great student, it is not just about athletics,” Mike said. “He has a 3.9 GPA and is just as committed to academics as is athletics.”

The two have been inseparable since Davis was born. Whether it was riding the lawn mower around the yard, getting hitting lessons, or traveling to sporting events across state lines, the two enjoy the little and the big things together. The impact Mike has had on Davis extends well beyond the normal expectations for a grandfather.

“He’s like a father figure to me,” Davis said. “We were always somewhere writing plays down with each other on like a little notepad, even at the dinner table. We are just always asking each other questions. Talking with him and learning from him gives me an upper hand.”

Some of Davis’ earliest and fondest memories are being coached by his grandfather. The Troup County Parks and Rec days saw the two bond in ways that would forever change them both for the better.

“I can still remember playing flag football for him with the Falcons,” Davis said, flashing a big smile. “He definitely coached me harder than everybody else.”

Their relationship during games is a little different now. Mike has stepped back from being a hands-on coach and is now mainly in charge of equipment, supervising ball boys helping the rainers and offering his help in any other department that he is needed, just don’t ask him to drop into a coaching stance anymore. 

It was not that long ago that Daivs was on of the ball boys under Mike on Friday nights in the fall.

“We had a great crew of ball boys then and Davis was one of the best of them,” Mike said. “Now, those guys are up here and are players for the team. They grew up on those sidelines which helps them adjust when they get up here.”

The two do not talk much during a game, but a car ride home is always filled with lively conversations.

“Last year, I would come off the field and try to talk with him and he would point me to my position coach,” Davis said. “On the way home, we will talk about my blocking or if how to properly run a certain route or something.”

If Davis is playing a sport. Mike is there. Whether it’s a trip to Atlanta for a baseball doubleheader in the Elite Eight in the scorching sun, a 7v7 summer camp or some other athletic endeavor, Mike has always made it his priority to show up and was quick to remind Davis exactly how many touchdowns he had at certain camps this summer.

This could be the year that Davis fully breaks into the scene. He made a real name for himself with his ability to swing the bat and throw heat on the mound during the Tigers’ run to the state quarterfinals earlier this year, but now that he is poised to start on the football and baseball team, his start could rise even more. Davis played sporadically as a freshman, catching two catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. That experience and the confidence his play in the diamond gave him have him ready to take the next step.

“I worked a little bit with the ones last season and I’m excited to take on the challenge of playing more,” Davis said. “I think a lot of really big things are in store for this young team.”

With the talent and accolades that Davis has garbed over his brief but memorable baseball and football careers so far, it could easily get to his head.

But not this kid. Davis is not in love with stats or his own personal gains, but he is a young man who loves the process. While other guys look for any opportunity to skip a practice, miss a day of weight training, or take a break. He is always pushing himself to be better and that is why separates him from the rest.

“The next day after that deep playoff run (with baseball), I came back to football and he gave me a day where I just had my helmet on and I was still so tired,” Davis said. “I was gassed that first day and the second day,  but the second day I worked out in full pads and was ready to go.”