Centreville 2025 Preview

Centreville had a rough start to the 2024 season, opening up 1-3. But by the end of the year, the Wildcats had clawed their way into contention, finishing 4-6 and giving teams all they could handle down the stretch. They played Westfield tight and beat Chantilly in overtime by a single point—battles that show this team was a lot tougher than its record might suggest.

Head coach Jon Shields took that late-season momentum personally. “We played better at the end than we did in the beginning, and that’s on me,” he said. That realization fueled their offseason approach, pushing the program to spend more time together in 7v7 and in the weight room. “The players have bonded this offseason,” Shields added, and it’s showing in both effort and accountability.

Centreville's offseason also stood out for how many of its players competed in other sports. “I’m proud of how many multi-sport athletes we have. The guys we’re counting on challenged themselves outside of football—it was cool to see,” Shields said. That athletic versatility could help this fall as they try to hit the ground running against another brutal Concorde schedule.

While the Wildcats lost some defensive talent to the next level and a few offensive linemen to graduation, most of the offensive core returns and will be expected to take a step forward. Shields didn’t single anyone out—“It’s the ultimate team sport and we need everyone to play well, not just one person”—but the expectation is that this group has matured and is ready to compete every week.

One area of growth is in the trenches. “We have more players trying out for the offensive line, and I’m proud of this group—especially the young guys,” Shields said. That line could be key to helping the offense stay balanced and efficient as the season unfolds.

The team identity this year? Urgency. There’s a clear desire to start fast and prove this team is better than last year’s record showed. “What I hope at the start is that we can play well early enough to build on the rest of the season,” Shields said.

The Concorde District won’t make it easy. “I think the Concorde is the year of the QBs,” Shields said. “Even if they’re young, they’re talented.” That includes returning starters across the district, making every week a test. Still, Centreville looks like a team no one wants to face—especially if they carry that fourth-quarter energy from last season into the start of this one.