School of the Future Turns to Parker-Moore at Quarterback in 2026
School of the Future enters the 2026 season with a new look at quarterback, an experienced offensive line and a veteran secondary that could become the strength of the team.
The Firebirds finished 7-4 in 2025, winning seven of their final nine games after opening the year with losses to Lansdale Catholic and Bishop Shanahan. Along the way, School of the Future picked up victories over Olney, KIPP-DuBois Collegiate Academy, Roxborough, South Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin and Academy of Palumbo.
Head coach David Hand now welcomes back several important two-way players, but the Firebirds must replace Jameer Brown, Sameer Adside, Avyonn Northington, Amori Jackson, Ihsaan Giddings and Dashine Corley.
The biggest offseason move comes at quarterback, where senior Kariff Parker-Moore will transition from wide receiver after producing one of the team’s most productive receiving seasons a year ago.
If Parker-Moore settles into the position and the young skill players develop behind an experienced offensive line, the Firebirds have the potential to become increasingly dangerous as the season progresses.
Parker-Moore Moves From Receiver to Quarterback
Senior Kariff Parker-Moore is the centerpiece of School of the Future’s offensive plans.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound athlete caught 37 passes for 692 yards and eight touchdowns last season while also converting three two-point receptions.
He showed a glimpse of what he could do as a passer as well, completing one of two attempts for 55 yards and a touchdown.
Now the Firebirds want the football in his hands on every snap.
“Kariff was an exceptional receiver and playmaker for us last season, but with our needs offensively, we felt moving him to quarterback was the best way to maximize his touches and put the ball in the hands of one of our best athletes as much as possible,” Hand said.
Parker-Moore’s athleticism gives School of the Future several possibilities offensively.
He can attack defenses with his arm, create plays with his legs and turn broken plays into positive yardage.
His experience as a receiver should also help him understand route concepts and what his pass catchers are seeing downfield.
The biggest challenge will be adjusting to the responsibilities that come with being a full-time quarterback.
Coles Becomes Primary Receiving Threat
Senior Jaden Coles returns as one of Parker-Moore’s most experienced targets.
Coles caught 13 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns last season.
At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, he gives the Firebirds size and physicality on the perimeter.
With Parker-Moore moving to quarterback, Coles has an opportunity to become the team’s No. 1 receiving option.
His familiarity with the offense and varsity experience should make him a dependable target while some of the younger skill players grow into larger roles.
Cisse Leads Young Backfield
Junior halfback Mohammed Cisse returns at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds.
The Firebirds like the size and potential of their backfield but understand the group still lacks extensive varsity experience.
That means Cisse and the other runners will need to improve as the season progresses.
School of the Future does not need the backfield to produce explosive plays on every snap.
The priority will be staying ahead of the chains, protecting the football and allowing the offensive line to establish the rhythm of the game.
A dependable running game would also make Parker-Moore even more dangerous on play-action and quarterback run concepts.
Offensive Line Could Be Team Strength
The offensive line is one of the biggest reasons for optimism.
Senior Kyle Williams, senior Shymir Nelson and junior Zakir Bell all return with varsity experience.
Nelson gives the Firebirds tremendous size at 6-foot and 350 pounds.
Bell, listed at 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, recorded an impressive 45 pancake blocks last season and appears poised to become one of the leaders of the offensive front.
Williams brings additional experience at 6-foot and 215 pounds.
The Firebirds believe this group can become the foundation of the offense.
“Our offensive line should be one of our strengths, and that will be extremely important for us,” Hand said.
The line must establish the run, protect Parker-Moore and allow the offense to avoid negative plays.
If that unit plays consistently, School of the Future should have the time needed to develop its younger skill players.
Staying on Schedule Is the Offensive Goal
The Firebirds are not looking to build an offense around constant big-play attempts.
Instead, they want consistency.
“We don’t need to hit a home run every play,” Hand said. “If we can establish the run, protect the football, stay ahead of the sticks and allow our young skill players to develop around our offensive line, I think we have a chance to become a very good offense as the season progresses.”
That approach makes sense for a team transitioning a star receiver to quarterback and replacing several skill-position contributors.
The more efficient the Firebirds become on first and second down, the more freedom Parker-Moore will have to use his athleticism in favorable situations.
Secondary Could Be Defensive Strength
School of the Future’s defense will be built around speed and experience in the secondary.
Parker-Moore, Coles and senior Shadyn Adams return after playing significant varsity snaps.
Parker-Moore recorded 37 total tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries while playing linebacker last season.
He is expected to transition into the defensive backfield, where his size and athleticism should make him a versatile defender.
Coles returns at safety after recording 27 tackles, nine assists, six passes defended and three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
That production makes him one of the top returning defensive playmakers on the roster.
Coles Brings Ball-Hawking Ability
Coles’ three interceptions last season highlight one of the biggest strengths of his game.
He has the instincts to read quarterbacks and the athletic ability to make plays on the football.
His experience should allow the Firebirds to become more aggressive with coverage packages.
School of the Future wants to use the secondary’s speed rather than forcing players to overthink assignments.
“Our secondary should be the strength of our defense, and we believe their experience will allow us to be multiple in what we do,” Hand said.
Defensive Front Must Create Pressure
The Firebirds also return several important contributors up front.
Williams will contribute on the defensive line, while junior Shyfee Eason returns at defensive end.
Bell also provides size in the trenches and could contribute defensively when needed.
The front’s primary job will be creating negative plays and allowing the secondary to take advantage.
If the pass rush consistently pressures opposing quarterbacks, School of the Future’s experienced defensive backs should have opportunities to create turnovers.
Third Downs and Explosive Plays Are Priorities
The defensive goals are straightforward.
The Firebirds want to get off the field on third down, create turnovers and limit explosive plays.
Those three areas often separate average defenses from strong ones.
“If we can play fast, tackle well, create negative plays and capitalize on opportunities to force turnovers, I believe our defense can be a major strength for us this season,” Hand said.
With several athletic defensive backs returning, School of the Future should have the personnel to play aggressively.
The challenge will be maintaining discipline while doing so.
Sampson Gives Special Teams Stability
Senior Adam Sampson returns as the kicker after gaining valuable experience last season.
His ability on kickoffs already provided School of the Future with an important weapon by forcing opponents to begin drives deep in their own territory.
The Firebirds want him to take another step in the scoring portion of the kicking game.
After converting the team’s first PAT last season, School of the Future hopes to become more consistent on extra points and field goals.
“With an experienced kicker returning, we want to be more confident taking advantage of opportunities to put points on the board through PATs and field goals,” Hand said.
Field Position Could Become Major Advantage
Special teams will be about more than kicking points.
School of the Future wants to win the field-position battle through kickoffs, coverage and returns.
A strong kickoff can force an opponent to drive 70 or 80 yards against an athletic defense.
A quality return can give Parker-Moore and the offense a short field.
Those hidden yards can become especially valuable in close games.
Players to Watch
Kariff Parker-Moore, Sr., QB/DB: Dynamic athlete moving from receiver to quarterback after catching 37 passes for 692 yards and eight touchdowns.
Jaden Coles, Sr., WR/DB: Two-way standout who caught 13 passes for 245 yards while intercepting three passes on defense.
Zakir Bell, Jr., OL/DL: Powerful 6-foot-3, 285-pound lineman who recorded 45 pancake blocks last season.
Shymir Nelson, Sr., OL: Massive 350-pound lineman expected to help anchor the offensive front.
Kyle Williams, Sr., OL/DL: Experienced two-way lineman who provides leadership and versatility.
Mohammed Cisse, Jr., HB: Physical running back expected to play an important role in the developing backfield.
Shyfee Eason, Jr., DE: Returning edge defender expected to help generate pressure.
Shadyn Adams, Sr., WR/DB: Experienced two-way athlete who strengthens the secondary.
Adam Sampson, Sr., K: Returning kicker whose leg gives the Firebirds an advantage on kickoffs and potentially in the scoring game.
My thoughts on School of the Future
School of the Future enters 2026 with an intriguing combination of experience and transition.
The most important move is Parker-Moore’s switch to quarterback.
He was already one of the Firebirds’ top playmakers, and putting the football in his hands on every offensive snap could unlock another dimension.
The transition should be helped by an offensive line featuring Bell, Nelson and Williams.
If that group controls the line of scrimmage, the younger backs and receivers will have time to develop around Parker-Moore.
Defensively, the secondary has the potential to become the team’s biggest strength. Coles, Parker-Moore and Adams give the Firebirds experienced athletes capable of creating turnovers and matching up with opposing receivers.
Special teams also appears more stable with Sampson returning.
The schedule will provide plenty of challenges, including Bishop Shanahan, Frankford, Simon Gratz and Unionville.
If Parker-Moore adjusts quickly to quarterback, the offensive line plays to its potential and the defense turns its speed into turnovers, School of the Future has a strong opportunity to build on last year’s seven-win season and become a serious factor in the Philadelphia Public League.
Head Coach: David Hand
Assistant Coaches:
Daniel Hand
Edward Saydee
Rob Thomas
William Patterson
Brandon Tate
George Gilmore
Gary Onuekwusi
Dontae Mason
Team Name: School of the Future- Firebirds
2025 Record: 7-4
8/23 Lansdale Catholic (2A) 7:00 pm L 0-36
8/29 @ Bishop Shanahan (4A) 7:00 pm L 0-35
9/04 @ Olney (5A) 3:00 pm W 28-6
9/12 @ Kipp-DuBois Collegiate Academy (2A) 3:00 pm W 40-0
9/20 Roxborough* (4A) 7:00 pm W 30-6
9/25 South Philadelphia* (6A) 7:00 pm W 14-0 called at HT; weather
10/03 @ Benjamin Franklin* (4A) 3:00 pm W 37-14
10/11 Executive Education Academy (2A) 7:00 pm L 32-42
10/18 Academy of Palumbo* (5A) 7:00 pm W 35-6
10/25 @ Northeast (6A) 11:00 am L 14-35
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/29 @ Benjamin Franklin (4A) 12:00 pm at Germantown Supersite
9/04 Bishop Shanahan (4A) 7:00 pm
9/10 Philadelphia Central* (6A) 3:00 pm
9/18 Frankford* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/26 John Bartram* (3A) 12:00 pm
10/02 @ Simon Gratz* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/10 Unionville (5A) 12:00 pm
10/16 @ Boys Latin Charter School* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Mastery North Charter* (5A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Jameer Brown
Sameer Adside
Avyonn Northington
Amori Jackson
Ihsaan Giddings
Dashine Corley
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. QB Kariff Parker-Moore 6-2, 205
Sr. OL Kyle Williams 6′ 215
Sr, WR Jaden Coles 6’1 200
Sr. OL Shymir Nelson 6′, 350
Jr. HB Mohammed Cisse 5-11 205
Jr OL Zakir Bell 6’3 285
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. DB Kariff Parker-Moore 6-2, 205
Sr. DL Kyle Williams 6′ 215
Sr. DB Jaden Coles 6’1 200
Jr. DE Shyfee Eason 6-1 185
Sr WR/DB Shadyn Adams 5-11, 165
Jr OL Zakir Bell 6’3 285
Special Team Starters Returning:
Sr K Adam Sampson 6-2 205
Key Newcomers:
Sr. WR Naeem Carter 5’11 170
Sr. WR/LB Nahki Cunningham 6′ 185
Jr. DB Zaire Blackson 5-11, 170
Jr, OL/DL Xavior Warren 6’3 240
Jr. HB/DE Curran Hassan 6’2 195
Jr. RB/WR Karon Coleman 5-9 165
2026 Returning Player Stats:
* (Switching to QB this upcoming year)
* Sr. QB/DB Kariff Parker-Moore 6-2 205- @ WR
37 Receptions 692 Receiving yards-8 Rec. TD’s (3 -2Pt Conversion Receptions)
Passing 1/2 55 yards 1 TD Pass
Defense (MLB) 37 Total Tackles -12 Assists 2 Forced Fumbles 2 Recoveries
Sr. WR/DB Jaden Coles 6’1 200, – 13 Receptions 245 yards 2 TD Receptions
Defense (FS) 27 Tackles-9 Assisted , 6 Passes Defensed 3 Ints-1 INT Return for TD
Jr OL Zakir Bell 6’3 285- 45 Pancake Blocks
2026 Offensive Outlook: “Offensively, we’re inexperienced at some key skill positions, but I’m excited about the potential of this group. I’m especially excited to see Kariff Parker-Moore take over at quarterback. He was an exceptional receiver and playmaker for us last season, but with our needs offensively, we felt moving him to quarterback was the best way to maximize his touches and put the ball in the hands of one of our best athletes as much as possible. Our backfield has good size and ability but lacks varsity experience, so I’m excited to see how much that group blossoms as they get more reps and become comfortable at this level.
Our offensive line should be one of our strengths, and that will be extremely important for us. The key is going to be staying on schedule, limiting negative plays and consistently moving the chains. We don’t need to hit a home run every play. If we can establish the run, protect the football, stay ahead of the sticks and allow our young skill players to develop around our offensive line, I think we have a chance to become a very good offense as the season progresses.”
2026 Defensive Outlook: “Defensively, our biggest strengths are our speed and experience in the secondary. We have a lot of athleticism on that side of the ball, and we want to be aggressive with our schemes and allow our athletes to play fast instead of overthinking. Our secondary should be the strength of our defense, and we believe their experience will allow us to be multiple in what we do.
The biggest keys for us will be getting off the field consistently on third down, creating turnovers, and limiting explosive plays. If we can play fast, tackle well, create negative plays and capitalize on opportunities to force turnovers, I believe our defense can be a major strength for us this season.”
2026 Special Teams Outlook: “Special teams should be an important part of our success this season. We return our kicker, whose ability on kickoffs was a big asset for us last year by consistently making opponents drive the length of the field. After converting our first PAT last season, we’re looking to take another step forward in the kicking game this year.
With an experienced kicker returning, we want to be more confident taking advantage of opportunities to put points on the board through PATs and field goals. If we can continue to win the field-position battle, be sound in our coverage units, and become more consistent scoring points in the kicking game, special teams can be a real advantage for us this season.”