2026 Team Preview: James Monroe Mavericks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 SEASON RECAP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses: QB Ryan Mann - RB/LB Brock Parker - ATH Kadyn Hines - OL/DL Cade Dillon - </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Monroe turned in another solid season under head coach John Mustain, finishing 7-4 and earning a return trip to the Class AA playoffs before falling 24-14 to Mingo Central in the opening round. The Mavericks relied on a strong defense that kept them competitive throughout the season, but generating more consistent offense became an area of emphasis heading into 2026. The good news is that James Monroe lost just five seniors from last year's roster, giving the Mavericks plenty of experienced talent to build around as they look to take another step forward in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: vs Greenbrier East<br>9/4: vs Sherman<br>9/11: at Bluefield<br>9/18: at Liberty<br>9/25: vs Narrows (VA)<br>10/2: at Independence<br>10/9: vs Greenbrier West<br>10/16: at Midland Trail<br>10/23: vs Westside<br>11/6: at Tug Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record: </strong>7-4 (Playoffs Round One)<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 8-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mavericks do have a few significant pieces to replace, including several key graduates and WVU baseball commit Jadyn Hines, who will focus solely on baseball this year. Much of the core that helped the Mavericks to a 7-4 season returns, giving the program plenty of continuity heading into 2026. That experience should allow James Monroe to build on last season's success and confidence that they can go farther this year. The expectation is to take another step forward, improve on last year's record, and make a deeper playoff run after last season's first-round exit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2266600"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Jadyn Hines no longer in the lineup, 2027 WR/DB Bryce Gardinier is primed to become James Monroe's top target in the passing game. Gardinier finished second on the team with more than 500 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns as a junior while continuing to establish himself as one of the Mavericks' premier two-way playmakers. A three-year starter, he can change a game quickly as a receiver and shut down opposing wideouts at corner. Gardinier has all the tools to earn All-State recognition and will be one of the biggest focal points of James Monroe's success this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2266592"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest changes for James Monroe this season comes behind center, where 2027 QB/ATH Jayden Miller takes over for productive last year's starter Ryan Mann. Miller contributed at receiver and cornerback last season and is ready for the new opportunity ahead. His athleticism and gunslinging mentality give the Mavericks the ability to expand their passing attack more than they have in recent years, adding another dimension to the offense while still complementing a strong ground game. Replacing a player like Mann won't be easy, but James Monroe believes Miller has the tools to lead the next chapter of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2266601"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920f52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR/LB Andrew Weikle returns as one of James Monroe's top two-way contributors after playing on both sides of the ball last season. Weikle brings a physical style of play along with the athleticism to make an impact in multiple phases, giving the Mavericks another dependable option in a talented receiving corps where he hauled in 270 yards and 4 touchdowns while continuing to fly around at linebacker on defense. His versatility and toughness make him an important piece of a James Monroe team with high expectations entering the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2266602"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After missing last season with an injury, 2027 RB/LB Kolton Dowdy is set to return in a much larger role for the Mavericks. Dowdy started as a sophomore and now steps back into the lineup looking to help replace the production of standout RB/LB Brock Parker on both sides of the ball. A tough, physical runner and a strong tackler, he'll be counted on to provide stability at running back while returning as an important piece at linebacker. His return gives James Monroe another experienced player as it breaks in several new faces on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2266613"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921024"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Monroe's line play starts with 2027 OL/DL Tyson Meadows. The three-year starter has developed into one of the Mavericks' most dependable players, bringing strength, toughness, and consistency every Friday night. Meadows is difficult to move on either side of the football and provides a physical presence along the interior that helps set the tone for the rest of the team. His experience and leadership make him one of the key returning pieces as James Monroe looks to take another step forward this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20335345/6906b5c49d15f453bbb06b80u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a74ca64669d2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2266621"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 ATH Andrew Hill gives James Monroe one of its most versatile players entering the season. Hill started at defensive end, linebacker, and defensive back as a junior, showcasing the athleticism to line up wherever the Mavericks needed him. That flexibility makes him an invaluable piece of the defense, and expect his role to expand offensively as well. Few players on the roster can move between as many positions while maintaining a high level of play, making Hill an important contributor on both sides of the football for the Mavericks again in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23254263/69cbc9c3ee53c20c7526428bu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a74ca6466a03"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1700915"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a7709210e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 LB Brycen Parker made a tremendous impact during his sophomore season, proving his value in more ways than one for James Monroe. Parker finished third on the team with 82 tackles while adding 13 tackles for loss and 5 sacks, emerging as one of the Mavericks' top defensive playmakers. His versatility was just as impressive on the offensive side, where he moved to offensive guard and started all 11 games after injuries forced the change. That willingness to do whatever the team needed, combined with his production and athleticism, makes Parker one of the Mavericks to players to know in their program for two more years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23070970/691dff173b1528311f53a7f2u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a74ca6466a30"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2266614"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921145"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 OL/DL Gus Cole is set to return after an injury cut his sophomore season short just one game into the year. The 6'0 240 lineman started on both sides of the football before the setback and is expected to reclaim a major role in the trenches this fall. Cole brings a strong, physical style of play and gives James Monroe another dependable presence along the line of scrimmage. A healthy return would provide a significant boost to the Mavericks on both the offensive and defensive fronts and be a strength of the team this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2266620"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a7709211a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 WR/DB Ben Comer is poised for a breakout season after showing plenty of flashes as a sophomore. The undersized playmaker earned the starting slot receiver role and produced some big plays with his quickness, shiftiness, and speed. James Monroe expects his role to grow on both sides of the ball this fall, giving him more opportunities to impact games as both a receiver, defensive back, and returner. His athleticism and knack for creating chunk plays with the ball in his hands make him one of the Mavericks' most exciting breakout candidates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23364395/6823445f277a121ae83d4f2au0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a74ca6466a76"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1591192"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a74ca6466a91"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future at quarterback looks bright for James Monroe with 2029 QB Bentley McCroskey in the program. After transferring back to the Mavericks, McCroskey appears to be a strong candidate to eventually take over the offense behind center. His length, athleticism, and dual-threat ability give him plenty of upside, while the experience he has gained playing multiple positions should benefit his overall development and get him on the field this fall. There's still room for growth as a passer, but the physical tools are evident, and McCroskey has the potential to develop into one of the top quarterbacks in the 2029 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Bentley_Qb1/status/1990246607263244401","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Bentley_Qb1/status/1990246607263244401 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sawyer Salmons - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ayden Blankenship - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Miller - 2028 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jacob Goodman - 2028 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trevin Thornton - 2030 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Easton Dowdy - 2030 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ethan Salmons - 2030 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->