Despite falling short of their goals in 2024, the varsity football team has bounced right back this season and is currently ranked No. 10 in Virginia and No. 4 in the Virginia 5A division ranking.
Former NFL player and current coach, Kedric Golston, is leading a successful second season as the new leader of the program. Last season, the Bulldogs had an overall record of 4-8 and a region record of 3-2. The team finished No. 4 in the Potomac District, which was an early conclusion to the season. The team wasted no time getting ready for this season, getting straight to work early in the summer.
“Me and the coaching staff did a better job of simplifying what we were doing offensively and defensively,” Coach Golston said. “Our senior leadership and the rest of our players did a great job of learning, adapting and working their tails off.”
With a slight change of focus in the playbook and mentality, the Bulldogs successfully closed their 2025 regular season on Nov. 7. The team went undefeated in district play and only lost one out-of-district game to a talented Quince Orchard team.
“[Golston] puts us in the right mindset,” junior wide receiver Joey Magliocca said. “[Golston] mentors us on how to be the best versions of ourselves on and off the field.”
Coach Golston’s mentorship has been critical to the team’s success. As a role model for the team, he guides players and pushes them to their best so they can accomplish their goals on and off the field.
“We are studying film and watching the other teams film, so we can know who we are going against,” junior left tackle Jace Rhodes said.
This year’s team has their sights aimed at another state championship run. The varsity program has won three state titles in their existence–the first in 2007 against Potomac Senior, the second in 2021 against Highland Springs High School, and the third in 2022 against Maury High School.
“We have a special group of boys, they enjoy being around each other, and I enjoy coaching,” Coach Golston said. “I want to extend the season for as long as possible and give them the opportunity to ultimately reach their goal that they had when we first started the season: of completing and winning a state championship.”
The Bulldogs will play and host the second round of regional playoffs on Nov. 21 against John Champe High School. The 5A State Championship will be at James Madison University on Dec. 13 at 5:00 p.m..
“The playoff stakes are just a lot higher because it’s win or go home,” Golston said. “The kids understand that and are ready to go.”
