BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County’s Noah Mollette signed his letter of intent to play football at Kentucky Christian University during a ceremony May 13 in the Martin County High School Auditorium.
The lineman’s family, teammates and coaches joined him for the big moment.
“We’re all excited for him,” head football coach Josh Muncy said. “When I was thinking about some things to say about Noah, what kept coming back to my head was Noah’s growth and development, not just athletically but as a man.”
Mollette helped the Cardinals to 3,328 rushing yards while they held the opponents to 1,244 rushing yards this season. He racked up 37 total tackles, 3-1/2 for loss, 1-1/2 sacks, forced three defensive fumbles and recovered one fumble in 2023.
Mollette’s career with the Cardinals started when he was a freshman.
“We were expecting a 15-year-old freshman to be as dedicated and play as hard and play the role of an 18-year-old senior, and we held Noah accountable,” Coach Muncy said. “In hindsight, he was a young kid and we were expecting a lot from him. His size and stature was that of a senior, as a freshman.”
Muncy added, “When [Noah’s mother Loretta Mollette] asked me, ‘Do you think he can play college football one day?’ I had no doubt in my mind that he could play college football. If you could build a lineman in a lab, you’d build Noah. He’s tall, big, strong and athletic.”
By the time Mollette was a senior, the coach said, he showed up for every practice and every optional lifting session.
“He would show up sick and we would have to tell him ‘no,’” said Muncy.
“He had to make a decision to commit to that and hold himself accountable … And because of that dedication to this team, I have no doubt in my mind that he’s going to be successful at the next level … KCU is getting a stud.”
Mollette expressed his gratitude to those present at the ceremony.
“Playing college football has been my dream since I was a child,” he shared. “Thanks, KCU. It means a lot.”
Mollette is the son of Nim and Loretta Mollette.