Annandale 2025 Preview

Annandale enters the 2025 season looking to build on the lessons learned from a year ago, where a few close losses highlighted the importance of leadership and resilience. Head coach Christopher Bagot and his staff used the offseason to refocus the team’s energy around elevating the play of those around them and embracing individual roles. The response from the returning core has been strong, with leaders like Michael Bawah, Isaac Cook, Austin Graham, Thomas Nields, and Connor Delaney stepping up. Rising junior Noah Plank is preparing to take the reins at quarterback, and the Atoms return 13 players with starting experience on defense.

Annandale’s new-look schedule brings matchups against Freedom-Woodbridge, Park View, and Meridian, and removes Ireton, Rock Ridge, and Washington-Liberty. But the traditional “Battle of the Beltway” against Falls Church remains a key game. They’re also looking forward to a rematch with Marshall after a tough opener last year, eager to show how far they’ve come.

The Atoms graduated two of their most dynamic players in quarterback Noah Lenn and all-region running back and returner Carlos Alvarez. Lenn was the team’s emotional leader and recipient of the prestigious Sigholtz Award, while Alvarez brought explosive playmaking every Friday night. Still, Annandale has depth at running back, with Osman Conteh and Brian Sob Djampou returning and Thomas Nields showing promise as a senior. The team also faces the loss of two-year starter Alex Torres, who relocated to Arkansas.

Among the players to watch this season is senior Michael Bawah, a 6’1, 230-pound lineman and one of the team’s hardest workers. Wide receiver Connor Delaney returns after catching 20 passes for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns. Junior linebacker Nahom Eshete, last year’s leading tackler, will anchor the defense, and Plank steps in at quarterback after completing 6 of 10 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown in relief duty last year.

The defensive backfield should be a strength. Juniors Hamza Bah and Yassin Ahmed gained experience as sophomores, while seniors Adnan Abdul Haq and Delaney both had clutch moments in 2024. Jeremiah Nelson and Jonathon Trejo are pushing hard to earn reps as well.

The Atoms welcome new assistants Jon Caicedo (offensive line), Dan Flynn (linebackers), and Tre Cooke (offense) to the staff, bringing fresh energy to both sides of the ball. With a defined identity and renewed physicality, this Annandale team is aiming to make an early statement in 2025.