Fairfax 2025 Preview

Fairfax made a deep playoff run last season, reaching the regional championship game with a team largely driven by juniors. Despite a few missed opportunities late in that game, the Lions showed they belonged among the top teams in the region.

Davin Tolson and Nathan Hurley were leaders last season, and they’ll return as captains again, bringing with them a hard-nosed mentality and veteran presence. The trenches look to be one of Fairfax’s biggest strengths, with a mix of returning starters and younger talent. Malik Rashad, a now 6’4”, 280-pound junior, and 11th grader Anthony Mrad (6’2”, 295) will help anchor both sides of the line. Add in Adam Chavez, who earned 2nd Team All-District honors as a junior last year, and the Lions should be dominant up front.

Fairfax will be replacing quarterback Nick Mrad and do-it-all back Amin Moumen, but they’re confident in what’s coming next. Harry Maltese is expected to be a breakout player at running back. After winning a state title in wrestling, he enters this fall in elite shape and ready to deliver in a power-run scheme. Jashon Payne adds another level of toughness in the backfield, giving Fairfax a true 1-2 punch when they want to wear teams down. Defensively, Ben Taylor returns as the vocal and mental leader—his ability to communicate and diagnose from his position makes him the kind of anchor you build a defense around.

The receiving group may surprise some. While most opponents are preparing for the run-heavy approach, the Lions are excited about a wide receiver corps led by Aiden OH, a name to watch when the ball goes up.

Fairfax won’t have a soft start to 2025. They open against Langley and face Westfield in Week 3. And of course, the rivalry with Lake Braddock is always circled. But the players welcome it. This is a tough, blue-collar team—smashmouth football, built around physicality, conditioning, and execution. There’s nothing flashy here by design.

Special teams could also become a factor this season, thanks to added expertise in that area, and the team’s strong depth. The group has shown great chemistry through Green Day sessions, with underclassmen pushing the returning leaders in practice, creating a competitive and hungry environment.

With veteran leadership, size in the trenches, and a clear identity, Fairfax looks ready to take another step in 2025.