Young Talent Meets Veteran Leadership as Olney Looks to Stay Among Public League Contenders
Olney enters the 2026 season looking to build on a successful seven-win campaign while replacing one of the most accomplished senior classes in the program.
Head coach Brandon Holub guided the Trojans to a 7-5 record in 2025, highlighted by victories over Vaux, Roxborough, Academy of Palumbo, South Philadelphia and Martin Luther King in the annual Thanksgiving Day Classic. Olney also reached the District 12 Class 5A championship game before falling to perennial power Roman Catholic.
The Trojans finished the season winning six of their final eight contests, showing significant improvement after a 1-3 start. During that stretch, Olney outscored opponents 208-63 in five victories, including three shutouts.
Now the focus shifts to replacing a talented senior class that included quarterback Josue Georges, running back Meikhi Faison, receivers Charles Alexander and Ramir Hamm, Zyir Edwards, and linemen Symeen Fogan and Luis Lopez.
Despite those departures, optimism remains high.
Olney returns several athletic skill players who gained valuable varsity experience in 2025 while welcoming a talented group of younger players expected to contribute immediately. The coaching staff believes the combination of experienced veterans and emerging underclassmen can keep the Trojans competitive in the Philadelphia Public League National Division.
Experienced Skill Players Will Lead the Offense
Replacing last season’s offensive production begins with Olney’s returning playmakers.
Junior Kymani Bass headlines the receiving corps after gaining valuable varsity experience. Bass enters the season as one of the offense’s primary leaders and is expected to become the focal point of the passing game.
His combination of athleticism and experience should make him a dependable target regardless of who lines up under center.
Joining Bass is junior running back Tahjae Son, who is expected to take on a much larger role in the ground game.
With the graduation of Meikhi Faison, Son has the opportunity to become the featured ball carrier. His ability to produce consistent yardage and help control the tempo of games will be critical to Olney’s offensive success.
Sophomore Messiah Elliott gives the Trojans another exciting weapon on the perimeter.
Although still early in his varsity career, Elliott has already demonstrated enough athletic ability to earn a larger offensive role. His development throughout the season could provide Olney with another explosive playmaker capable of stretching opposing defenses.
The coaching staff believes the veteran skill players must embrace leadership responsibilities while helping the younger members of the roster develop confidence.
Finding the Next Quarterback
Perhaps the biggest question entering the season is replacing quarterback Josue Georges.
Georges provided leadership, athleticism and experience throughout the 2025 season, leaving a significant void at the game’s most important position.
The Trojans will spend training camp evaluating candidates capable of directing the offense.
Fortunately, the next quarterback will inherit an experienced group of receivers and running backs capable of making plays after the catch and creating explosive gains on the ground.
Olney does not necessarily need spectacular quarterback play.
The offense needs consistency, sound decision-making and leadership.
Protecting the football, managing the game and taking advantage of opportunities created by the skill players will be priorities for whoever wins the starting job.
The quicker the quarterback position develops, the higher Olney’s offensive ceiling becomes.
Offensive Line Must Develop New Leaders
While Olney returns junior linemen Shane Hudson and Chris Boussous, the offensive line must replace experienced seniors Symeen Fogan and Luis Lopez.
Hudson and Boussous now become the foundation of the unit.
Both gained meaningful varsity experience and understand the physical demands of competing in the Public League.
Their leadership will be especially important as younger linemen compete for starting positions.
The offensive line’s ability to establish the running game will largely determine the offense’s success.
If Hudson, Boussous and the new starters consistently create running lanes, Son and the rest of the backfield should benefit.
Protecting a first-year starting quarterback will be equally important.
The offensive line may experience growing pains early in the season, but steady improvement throughout training camp and September could allow the unit to become one of the team’s strengths.
Youth Will Have Opportunities
One of the recurring themes throughout Olney’s offseason has been opportunity.
The graduation of several key seniors opens the door for younger players to earn meaningful varsity roles.
The coaching staff believes the program possesses talented underclassmen ready to contribute.
The challenge will be adjusting to varsity speed and physicality.
Experienced veterans such as Bass, Son, Hudson and Boussous must help accelerate that learning process by setting the standard during practice and games.
Olney’s offense could look significantly different by the end of the season than it does during Week One as younger players continue developing.
That internal competition should benefit the program over the long term.
Defense Must Replace Production
The Trojans face an even greater rebuilding challenge on defense.
Several experienced defenders graduated, including Alexander, Edwards, Faison, Georges and Hamm.
Those departures leave important leadership voids throughout the defense.
Fortunately, Olney returns several versatile athletes capable of contributing on both sides of the football.
Bass and Son return in the secondary, while Elliott, Hudson, Boussous and Nasir Rivera also bring valuable varsity experience.
The coaching staff has emphasized one priority above all else:
Finding young players willing to play physical football and consistently make tackles.
That mentality will ultimately determine how quickly the defense develops.
Hudson Anchors Defensive Front
Junior Shane Hudson returns as one of the defensive line’s leaders.
Hudson’s experience should provide stability up front as Olney develops new contributors around him.
His ability to control blockers and disrupt running plays will be essential.
Junior Chris Boussous also returns on the defensive line after gaining valuable experience last season.
Together, Hudson and Boussous give the Trojans a pair of experienced interior defenders capable of helping establish the defense’s physical identity.
The defensive line must consistently occupy blockers and create opportunities for linebackers and defensive backs to make plays.
Developing additional depth up front will remain a major priority throughout training camp.
Athletic Secondary Returns
Olney’s secondary features several returning athletes with varsity experience.
Bass returns at defensive back after contributing on offense throughout last season.
Son also returns in the secondary, providing versatility and athleticism.
Sophomore Messiah Elliott brings another talented young player capable of developing into a difference-maker.
Junior Nasir Rivera adds additional experience to the defensive backfield.
That combination gives Olney speed and athletic ability in pass coverage.
However, the secondary’s success will depend upon communication and tackling.
The coaching staff wants younger players to embrace physical football and become dependable tacklers in open space.
If the secondary limits explosive plays while creating turnovers, Olney’s defense could exceed expectations.
Physicality Will Define Defensive Success
The coaching staff has made its expectations clear.
Olney’s defense must become more physical.
Replacing experienced seniors is never easy, but effort and toughness remain within every player’s control.
The Trojans want defenders who attack the football, finish tackles and play aggressively throughout four quarters.
That approach begins during preseason practices.
Young players must demonstrate they are willing to compete physically before earning significant varsity playing time.
If Olney develops that mindset early, the defense has enough athletic ability to become an effective unit despite its relative inexperience.
Building on Last Year’s Momentum
Although the Trojans lost five games in 2025, the season also demonstrated what the program is capable of accomplishing.
Olney defeated Academy of Palumbo 34-8, shut out South Philadelphia 58-0 and concluded the year with an 18-0 Thanksgiving Day victory over Martin Luther King.
Those performances showed the team’s potential when execution, discipline and physical play came together.
The returning players experienced those successes firsthand.
That experience should help establish confidence entering the new season.
The challenge is maintaining that level of play against a schedule that again includes several strong Public League opponents.
Players to Watch
Kymani Bass, Jr., WR/DB: One of Olney’s top returning playmakers and expected offensive leader. His athleticism and experience make him a focal point on both sides of the football.
Tahjae Son, Jr., RB/DB: Returns to lead the rushing attack after the graduation of Meikhi Faison and will also play an important role in the secondary.
Shane Hudson, Jr., OL/DL: Veteran lineman expected to anchor both offensive and defensive fronts with his physical style of play.
Chris Boussous, Jr., OL/DL: Returning two-way starter who provides valuable experience in the trenches.
Messiah Elliott, So., WR/DB: Talented sophomore expected to take on a much larger role after showing promise as a freshman.
Nasir Rivera, Jr., DB: Experienced defensive back who adds leadership and stability to the secondary.
My thoughts on Olney
Olney enters the 2026 season with an intriguing blend of proven veterans and promising young talent.
The Trojans must replace several outstanding seniors, particularly at quarterback and along both lines, but the returning core provides a strong foundation. Bass and Son are expected to lead the offense, while Elliott gives the coaching staff another explosive athlete capable of making big plays. Success on offense will depend on how quickly the new quarterback settles into the position and whether the offensive line can develop into a consistent, physical unit.
Defensively, Hudson and Boussous anchor the line, while Bass, Son, Elliott and Rivera provide experience in the secondary. The biggest challenge will be developing younger defenders who embrace the physical style of play the coaching staff demands. If those players mature quickly, the Trojans have enough athleticism to remain competitive throughout the Public League season.
The 2025 campaign proved Olney could rebound from adversity and finish the year playing some of its best football. That experience should benefit a roster that understands what it takes to compete for postseason opportunities.
If the experienced skill players assume leadership roles, the younger contributors develop throughout the season and the defense establishes a more physical identity, Olney has the pieces to remain a contender in the Philadelphia Public League National Division and make another postseason appearance in District 12 Class 4A.
Head Coach: Brandon Holub
Assistant Coaches:
Del Jackson
Ansel Fields
Dhani Heath
Chris Smith
Team Name: Olney Trojans
District: 12
Class: 4A
League: Philadelphia Public League, National
2025 Record: 7-5
8/22 @ Philadelphia Central* (6A) 3:00 pm L 24-30
8/28 @ Girard College (8 Man Team) 4:00 pm W 36-0
9/04 School of the Future (3A) 3:00 pm L 6-28
9/11 @ Benjamin Franklin (4A) 3:00 pm L 6-22
9/19 @ Kipp-DuBois Collegiate Academy (2A) 3:00 pm Forfeit win
9/25 Vaux (Big Picture Philly) (2A) 3:00 pm W 40-0 at Germantown Supersite
10/02 Roxborough (4A) 3:00 pm W 22-7
10/09 Academy of Palumbo (5A) 3:00 pm W 34-8
10/16 @ South Philadelphia (6A) 3:00 pm W 58-0
10/25 @ Imhotep Charter School (6A) 3:00 pm L 0-63 at Northeast Supersite
11/08 @ Roman Catholic (5A) 3:00 pm L 0-48 D12 5A Final at Germantown Supersite
11/27 @ Martin Luther King (4A) 10:00 am W 18-0 Thanksgiving Day Game at Germantown Supersite
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/28 @ Philadelphia Central (6A) 3:00 pm
9/04 @ Susquenita (3A) 7:00 pm
9/10 @ Kensington (6A) 3:00 pm
9/17 Benjamin Franklin* (4A) 7:00 pm
9/24 Thomas Edison* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/01 Universal Audenried Charter* (3A) 7:00 pm
10/09 @ Martin Luther King* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/17 @ Academy of Palumbo* (5A) 3:00 pm
10/23 @ Roxborough* (4A) 3:00 pm
11/26 @ Martin Luther King* (5A) 10:00 am Thanksgiving Day game
Key Starters Lost:
Charles Alexander (WR/DB)
Zyir Edwards (WR/LB)
Symeen Fogan (OL/DL)
Luis Lopez (OL/DL)
Meikhi Faison (RB/LB)
Josue Georges (QB/LB)
Ramir Hamm (WR/LB)
Offensive Starters Returning:
Kymani Bass ’27 (WR)
Tahjae Son ’27 (RB)
Shane Hudson ’27 (OL)
Messiah Elliott ’28 (WR)
Chris Boussous ’27 (OL)
Defensive Starters Returning:
Kymani Bass ’27 (DB)
Tahjae Son ’27 (DB)
Shane Hudson ’27 (DL)
Messiah Elliott ’28 (DB)
Chris Boussous ’27 (DL)
Nasir Rivera ’27 (DB)
Key Newcomers:
Christopher Treadwell ’29 (LB/RB)
Jacob Robinson ’28 (OL/DL)
Jeremiah Johnson ’28 (OL/DL)
Ryan Ortiz ’29 (OL/DL)
Jayden Rowland ’28 (WR/DB)
Tajmir Ferguson ’29 (WR/DB)
2026 Offensive Outlook: Olney will be leaning heavy on our experienced skill players to take on a new leadership role in 2026. We have a lot of young talented players who are going to need to step up and play a big role for us this season. A great combination of seasoned vets with some young talent will set the tone for this years offense of Olney Football.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Olney football will count on a lot of young players to step up in a big way. Finding young talent that wants to be physical and make tackles will be the most challenging part for our defense this season.