MHS Coach Michael Bradley back for Mayfield-Cruces game after beating COVID-19

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (CBS4) —

After a tough battle with COVID-19, Mayfield High School head football coach Michael Bradley returns to the field on Friday, in time for the legendary Mayfield vs. Cruces game.

CBS4 spoke with Bradley on Wednesday and while he’s still not feeling 100 percent himself, he has tested negative for the virus and will be back on the sidelines for the iconic Mayfield- Cruces game, a rivalry that dates back to 1965.

I’m back, I’m giving it everything I’ve got. This is a big game for us, and Cruces, they’ve struggled a little bit too, but we’re really focused on what we need to do to beat them and win that war this week. -Bradley said.

An assembly was held at Mayfield High on Wednesday to not only celebrate Fridays big game, but to celebrate Bradley’s big comeback after testing positive for COVID-19 on Aug. 25.

“We wear a mask and do everything possible, but it’s out there,” Bradley said.

Bradley who was fully vaccinated, missed two games, something he’d never imagine he’d ever have to do. He worked from home during quarantine, but did feel fairly sick.

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“Fairly intense cold sweats, headache, it felt like a really, really bad cold, but as far as the symptoms, just being really, really tired, it’s been a tough two to three weeks. The coaches have supported me a great deal by doing their job and getting these guys ready for this game in the last three weeks,” Bradley said.

With him gone, players had the opportunity to reflect. They told CBS4 Bradley is the glue to the program.

“He’s kind of like our safe spot I’m going to be honest. The way he bonds with us and the way he pushes us in the locker room and on the field is just a different type of coaching and I really appreciate that,” Cameron Sowards, a MHS football player said.

I know Coach Bradley is probably one of the best, if not the best coach I’ve ever had in my life. The way he just holds down the team, how positive he is, the man is always so positive and after our loss last week, he came back, set it up straight for this week and he’s ready to go. -Joey Banegas, a MHS football player said.

Bradley said he’s ready to pick up where he left off and wants to thank the community for their outpouring support.

“It’s important this week to really finish strong.”

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Bradley said he was the only one to get the virus, that his wife and kids are thankfully okay.

The Mayfield-Cruces game will kick off at 7 p.m. inside Las Cruces Public Schools’ Field of Dreams, located on the corner of Motel Boulevard and Tashiro Road. For more information on how to get tickets, click here.

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