Chantilly 2025 Preview

After missing the playoffs in 2023, Chantilly got back on track last fall and returned to postseason football. It was a needed step forward for a program that’s long prided itself on physicality and culture. But for head coach Sean Curry, the 2024 season was about more than just wins and losses—it reflected how much the high school football landscape in Northern Virginia has changed. “The fabric of high school football in our area has changed forever,” Curry said. “There are fewer teacher-coaches, more players training with outside coaches, and a shift toward the AAU/showcase model.” That broader shift has made player development and program identity even more important, and Chantilly is leaning into both.

This offseason, the Chargers leaned heavily on their Personal Fitness elective as their strength and conditioning program, creating what Curry calls “tremendous” program-wide strength. That, combined with a renewed focus on running efficient, fast-paced practices and keeping kids healthy, has given this group a foundation built on effort and toughness. “We have an old-school mindset but new school structure,” Curry said.

Chantilly’s 2024 schedule is one of the toughest in Northern Virginia. Six of their ten opponents won at least seven games last year, including Madison (14), Westfield and Langley (9), and Herndon (8). “Every week is a match-up against a team who can potentially compete for a region championship,” Curry said. But that’s the kind of challenge this team embraces.

They’ll be without several key names from last fall, including All-Region WR Garrett Carper, two-way contributor Charlie Boucher, and defensive leaders like Chase Smoot and AJ Kargbo. Still, the Chargers return a core that has a chance to be special. Quarterback Sahir Mantri enters his third year as the starter, and he’s got weapons around him. Linebacker Ryan Vail is a legit 4.5-speed guy who will make plays on both sides of the ball, and running back Jahrod King is set to emerge as a key weapon. Tyshwan Jackson leads a group of young receivers, and the offensive line, while inexperienced, is described as “athletic, strong, and physical.” On defense, Vail is joined by Qua’mere Rogers, who brings versatility and toughness, and defensive end Matt Lynch, a long, athletic pass rusher with big upside.

Offensively, Chantilly has traditionally leaned on a run-heavy spread option, but that’s shifting. “We’ve been a run-heavy spread offense for years, but last season we were the most balanced we’ve ever been—55 run, 45 pass,” Curry said. For the first time since 2015, they went under center and will expand on that look in 2025. The skill positions are deep—Curry compared this group to the 2019 and 2020 teams that produced multiple 1,000-yard rushers and several other 600-yard contributors.

There’s no doubt about this team’s identity. “Chippy,” Curry said. “We want our players to take the program over. At our best, we are a player-led team.” That means the Chargers want to be physical and violent in how they play—no backing down from anyone.

With a loaded schedule and a tough district, Chantilly knows what it’s up against. But this is a group that’s embracing the work, the physicality, and the grind—and they’re ready to hit back.