MASON — Brian Castner knows the Mason High School football program will have plenty of new faces in prominent roles this season.
He also knows exactly who he expects to lead them.
The Comets enter the 2026 season leaning heavily on their senior class and five captains as they try to build off a 5-6 campaign that included a 5-4 Greater Miami Conference record and a Division I playoff appearance.
“We’re trying to really focus on the seniors and being a senior-led team,” Castner said. “We’ve got five really good captains that don’t just play the game the right way, but they live life the right way.”
Mason showed flashes last season, winning three straight games against Lakota East, Oak Hills and Hamilton before finishing the regular season with victories over Colerain and Sycamore. The Comets’ season ended with a 46-41 playoff loss to Fairfield.
There is reason for optimism offensively.
Junior Alex Nagel takes over at quarterback after seeing significant action last season. He rushed for 337 yards and six touchdowns on 72 carries while also getting limited opportunities in the passing game.
“He’s just a great young man, works his butt off and wants to do nothing but win, win, win,” Castner said.
The offensive line brings back experience with captain Andy Hutton and three-year starter Joey Corcoran, an All-GMC selection last season.
Jamien Martin, Chris Hubbard and captain Alec Cilley provide experienced options at receiver. Castner also expects senior CJ Layton to take on a larger role in the backfield.
Continuity should help. Former Sycamore and Fairfield head coach Scott Dattilo enters his second season directing Mason’s offense.
The larger questions come defensively.
Mason allowed 25.9 points and 333.4 yards per game last season and graduated several key contributors.
Among them is linebacker Alex Brown, a two-year captain who signed with Ohio University after recording more than 300 career tackles, including 28 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.
Mason also must replace standout defensive lineman Jonathan Hendrix, while younger players step into expanded roles around returning contributors such as Hutton, Joey Corcoran and AJ Kaylor.
“They’re getting better each day,” Castner said.
That development will be tested immediately. Mason opens Friday at Springboro before beginning GMC play Aug. 28 at Sycamore.
Castner said experience on the coaching staff can help, but ultimately Mason’s ceiling will be determined by its players.
“It’s all going to come from how much these players want it,” Castner said. “They want to compete. They want to be physical. That’s what it’s really going to rely on.”
