Eagles Soar into New Season with Fresh Look and Renewed Hope
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, GA – A fresh look and renewed determination are the themes for the Montgomery County Eagles as they gear up for the upcoming football season. After a challenging 3-7 campaign last year, which included a tough 1-5 run in Region 4 and significant disruptions from Hurricane Helene, Head Coach Kareem Hess and his squad are ready to turn the page.
A Summer of Growth and New Beginnings Coach Hess, entering his second year at the helm, expressed optimism after a productive summer. The Eagles honed their skills at camps in Dublin and Atlanta, even holding their own against larger programs at Georgia Tech. 'We were the smallest team in Atlanta, but we went out and competed, and that was what I was looking for from my team,' Hess stated. This competitive spirit was evident throughout their summer workouts, leaving the coaching staff with high hopes for their solid 40-player roster.
Adding to the buzz is a complete uniform overhaul. For the first time in eight years, the Eagles will sport brand-new all-grey and all-red schemes, complete with bold red helmets. This visual transformation has already instilled a sense of pride within the team, a tangible sign of their collective effort to climb towards a winning record. The players are embracing the new threads, which Coach Hess believes will translate into an extra boost on the field.
Coaching Consistency and Player Leadership The coaching staff remains largely intact, offering stability and continuity. Devonta Osborn is returning in his roles as Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach, while Josh Harrell returns as Defensive Coordinator and Jake Hall takes the reins of Special Teams. Matt Parker and Yabaka Moore also are returning in their roles on the coaching staff. This consistent leadership is a key asset as the Eagles aim for a turnaround season. A strong contingent of player leaders has emerged, with Elijah McEwen, Jaquez Kelly, Landon Williams, and Jayden Roberson stepping up to hold their teammates accountable and drive the team's commitment to improvement. Their voices are making an impact, fostering a culture of dedication and shared responsibility.
Offense: Youth and Experience in the Backfield The Eagles will entrust their offense to a new signal-caller, freshman Riley Dees. Coach Hess lauded Dees's quick grasp of the offense and his ability to make plays, noting his mature approach to the game. His development will be a significant storyline to watch.
The ground game looks promising with the return of Elijah McEwen and Landon Williams at running back, both poised for an increased impact. Out wide, Jayden Harris makes the transition from quarterback to receiver, adding another dynamic threat alongside Jaquez Kelly, who will again be a key target. McEwen and Williams will also contribute to the receiving corps on certain plays, offering versatility.
The offensive line, a critical component, boasts returning starters, a significant advantage for the Eagles. Sophomore Torian Smith, a towering 6'6', 305-pound left tackle with multiple college offers, anchors the unit. He'll be joined by Mack Chambers and Carson Scott, who will share time at left guard, with Abisael Mezquititla returning to center the line. Thomas Ford at right guard and Chez Rivera at right tackle complete a seasoned front that should provide a strong foundation for the offense and protect their young quarterback.
Defense: Building on Experience On the defensive front, the Eagles will rely on returning players Jayden Roberson, Haze Thigpen, and Jaqwavion Grissom to set the tone. Their ability to pressure opposing offenses will be vital.
At linebacker, Jake Hudson and Christian Jordan will patrol the outside, while freshman Keegan Mills and sophomore Hayden Hayes will handle the inside duties. This mix of youth and experience in the middle of the defense will be something to keep an eye on.
The secondary will be led by Elijah McEwen at safety, with Zaden Waller, Bryant Bonner, and Cameron Henderson also returning. Their collective experience will be crucial in shutting down opposing passing games and creating turnovers.
Special Teams
On special teams, the Eagles will see Haze Thig- continued from page
pen handling kickoffs, Abisael Mezquititla as place kicker, and Elijah McEwen pulling double duty as punter. Matthew Harvey will be the long snapper. The Eagles are looking for these units to provide hidden yardage and pivotal plays throughout the season.
The Road Ahead
While the Eagles have been 'flying around' in practice and showing increased discipline and physicality, their Region 4 schedule promises to be another tough test. With only four home games this season, the Eagles will need to prove their mettle on the road to secure a strong region record. Road victories will be paramount if they hope to climb the standings.
Coach Hess praised the overwhelming support from the administration and community. 'Everything that we need for these kids, they just find a way to make it happen,' he shared. 'We just hope to be able to put a product on the field that represents what they are expecting from us. We are just ready to hit that field and get to work.'
The Montgomery County Eagles are clearly eager to showcase their new look and improved play. Can this renewed sense of pride and competitive spirit translate into a winning season? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for an intriguing year in Montgomery County.
MCHS Linemen – (L to R, Front): Haze Thigpen, Jonas Carpenter, Seamus Stephens, Abisael Mezquititla, Breylan Coats, Chaz Perry, Arnez Howard; (Back): Coach Yabaka Moore, Chez Rivera, Jayden Roberson, Torion Smith, Brantley Beasly, Carson Scott, Josh Bell, and Thomas Ford.Photo by Mike Branch
MCHS Coaches – (L to R): Yabaka Moore, Offensive Coordinator Devonta Osborn, Head Coach Kareem Hess, Jake Hall, and Defensive Coordinator Josh Harrell. Not Pictured: Matt Parker.Photo by Mike Branch
MCHS Defensive Backs – (L to R, Front): Riley Dees, Kel Tanner, Landon Williams, Jaquez Kelly, Zaden Waller, Coach Jake Hall; (Back): John Corum, Ashton Bland, Bryant Bonner, Kameron Henderson, and Elijah McEwen.Photo by Mike Branch
MCHS Quarterbacks – (L to R): Kel Tanner, Riley Dees, Jaquez Kelly, Matthew Harvey, Kadan Williamson, and Head Coach Kareem Hess.Photo by Mike Branch
MCHS Linebackers – (L to R, Front): Ayden Jordan, Keegan Mills, Emory Robertson, Matthew Harvey, Hayden Hayes, Defensive Coordinator Josh Harrell; (Back): Christian Jordan, Jake Hudson, Elijah, McEwen, Kaden Williamson, and Arnez Howard.Photo by Mike Branch
MCHS Running Backs – (L to R): Hayden Hayes, Ayden Jordan, Keegan Mills, Zaden Waller, Elijah McEwen, Landon Williams, and Coach Matt Parker.Photo by Mike Branch
