Majors Aim for Another Playoff Run
- novafootballpodcas
- Aug 6, 2024
- 3 min read
8/29: @ West Potomac at 7:00 PM
9/6: vs. Westfield at 7:30 PM
9/13: @ Unity Reed at 7:00 PM
9/20: vs. South Lakes at 7:00 PM
9/27: @ Lewis at 7:00 PM
10/4: vs. Justice at 7:00 PM
10/10: @ Falls Church at 7:00 PM
10/18: vs. Hayfield* at 7:00 PM
10/25: vs. Annandale* at 7:00 PM
11/8: @ Edison at 7:00 PM
After returning to the playoffs and clinching a Co-District Championship title last year for the first time since 2019, the Mt. Vernon Majors are ready to build on that success. Under the leadership of Coach Isaiah Taylor, who was named the National District Coach of the Year in his debut season, the Majors are determined to solidify their position as a formidable force in the National District.
Reflecting on last season, Coach Taylor highlighted the team’s resilience. “Through the first four weeks, we were 0-4, losing to some very difficult out-of-district opponents like Friendship Collegiate Academy (DC), Westfield, South Lakes, and our Route 1 rival, West Potomac, by just three points. Despite this rocky start, we won five out of our last six games, capturing a Co-District Championship title and securing a playoff spot, though we ultimately lost to Lake Braddock. We had over a dozen players earn all-district honors, including the district defensive Player of the Year, three first-team all-region players, and one second-team all-state player.”
This off-season, the focus has been on development. "We have made a commitment to getting bigger, faster, and stronger," Taylor emphasized. The team is set to face a tough schedule with no easy games. "Starting the season off with an in-town rival in West Potomac will be a challenge on the road, so that deserves all of our focus right now. Then we will take every game after that, one week at a time."
The Majors are working to fill the gaps left by the departure of two offensive starters and five defensive starters. However, they are bolstered by the return of key players. Offensively, the team will be led by Senior Quarterback Hudson Grimsley, who earned second-team all-district honors last season. “We are looking to Hudson to lead this offense and generate points with his arm and his feet,” Taylor said. “It will be vital that we get the ball to our first-team all-region and district WR/returner Matthew Moret. We also have a few other dynamic players at the skill positions that we expect big things from. Most importantly, we return all starters on our offensive line, led by Seniors Braeden Olmstead, Austin Meixell, and Ben Norte. This group should anchor our offense.”
The Mount Vernon Majors offense will be spearheaded by a dynamic duo of underclassmen. Grimsley, a junior quarterback, had an impressive season last year, completing 115 of 210 passes for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. His ability to maintain a 54.8% completion rate shows promise for his ability to lead the team’s passing attack. Grimsley will look to connect with sophomore wide receiver Moret, who emerged as a key playmaker with 48 receptions for 731 yards and 10 touchdowns. Moret’s knack for big plays, evidenced by his 15.2 yards per reception, makes him a critical asset in stretching the field and keeping defenses on their heels.
Defensively, the Majors will rely on the strength of returning starters like all-region DB Jamario Young, LB Mark Del Cukit, and SS CJ Coleman. Their experience and leadership will be crucial as the team navigates a challenging season.With a strong foundation and the momentum from last year, the Mt. Vernon Majors are poised for another successful run
Key Players:
Hudson Grimsley, QB (Senior, 6’1 215)
Matthew Moret, WR/Returner (5’8 160)
Braeden Olmstead, OL (Senior, 6’0 235)
Austin Meixell, OL (Senior, 6’0 210)
Ben Norte, OL (Senior, 6’3 225)
Jamario Young, DB (6’1 180)
Mark Del Cukit, LB (6’0 215)
CJ Coleman, SS (5’11 170)
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