MOSES LAKE — On Saturday June 21, Mavericks quarterback Brady Jay announced his commitment to play for the University of Montana Grizzlies. Jay, who will be entering his senior year this fall, said he felt like he was at home when he took visits to Montana.  

“They were the first school to offer me, so that showed that they were just committed to me. Their loyalty was great. So that's what made me want to commit there,” he said. “It's a very traditional culture. They win a lot. They're one of the most successful schools in the Big Sky (Conference), so I’m just looking to continue that.” 

Jay said he spent a lot of time getting to know the Grizzlies' football staff after attending their camps for the last three years. He said he especially got close with offensive coordinator Brent Pease. Ever since he was 5 years old, playing flag football, he said he has been working toward playing college football.  

“We've been working basically my whole life towards this, with lifting, throwing, playing other sports. So, it's all kind of led up to this,” he said.  

Jay is coached by his dad, Brett Jay, who shared the same sentiment about the work that has led to this moment.  

“It's been an emotional ride; it's been fun to coach him. You got to wear both hats at different times, and it's been important for me to do that, I don't want to just be his coach and then obviously I have to stay away from just being his dad. You really got to just kind of a fine line between the two,” he said.  

Brett had high praise for Brady’s abilities on the field and his work ethic to constantly improve his game.  

“I've coached a lot of good players over the years, especially quarterbacks, but his accuracy is second to none, even since he was a little guy,” Brett said. “This year we're going to work on driving the football down the field, and we're going to work on turning those 20-yard scrambles into longer (scrambles).” 

According to Brady, he improved his speed during the offseason. Last spring, for the Mavericks track and field team, he ran a 10.9 100-meter dash, which was an improvement from his former best of 11.5.  

“I'm looking forward to just playing the game. If I am able to run the ball, then I'll show off my 10.9 speed, and if they're giving me the passes, I'll just take what they give me,” Brady said.  

Last season, as the Mavericks quarterback, Brady received Columbia Basin Big Nine league MVP, offensive MVP and first-team quarterback honors.  

Looking ahead to his final season, Brett and Brady are focused on one goal: a state championship. They both shared the feeling that it would be a fitting way to cap off a successful playing career in the Maroon and Gold.  

“That's just our goal as a program, as a player, and it would just be a blast. We feel we have the pieces to go on a run, and now we just have to do it,” Brett said.  

    Mavericks quarterback Brady Jay passes the ball to the flat in a game against Eastmont last season. Jay announced his commitment to play for the University of Montana Grizzlies next fall.
  

    Mavericks quarterback Brady Jay taking a photo in the Grizzlies uniform on a visit to the school. Jay said he grew close with the staff there, and it began to feel like home, which led to his decision to commit.
  

    Mavericks quarterback Brady Jay scrambles out to the right hash in a game last season. Jay said he has worked on his speed during the offseason and has actually improved his 100-meter dash time.
  

    Mavericks quarterback Brady Jay reaches for the endzone in a game last season. Jay said he is hopeful to cap off his career at Moses Lake with a state championship.
  

    Mavericks quarterback Brady Jay on a recent visit to the University of Montana. Jay said he liked their long history of winning and hopes to carry on the tradition during his career there.
  

    Mavericks quarterback Brady Jay prepares to throw the ball under pressure in a game last season. Jay has been playing football since he was five years old and said he enjoys the competition he faces.