MASON — By the time the Mason Comets take the field this season, they’ll have already built something much bigger than a game plan.
Mason coach Brian Castner and his senior-led squad have spent months stacking “bricks” — both literal and symbolic — toward a shared vision of unity and resilience.
This offseason began back in January with a challenge from the senior class to become the closest team in program history. It’s not the first Mason group to talk about togetherness. Still, Castner said this one is different — intentionally focused on bringing every player, from sophomores to seniors, into the heart of the team’s identity.
“Every story matters to this team,” said Castner, who is entering his 16th season at the Comet helm. “From coaches to players, they’re telling their story. That’s what we started in January, and it’s been emotional — for the kids and the staff.”
The result, Castner said, has been a deeper connection — one that’s revealed unexpected personal histories.
And if there’s a mantra driving this year’s team, it’s simple.
“Be the first.”
“Be the first to help a classmate, pick up trash, open a door or greet someone with a smile. It’s about leadership in every setting, not just under the Friday night lights,” Castner said. “It sounds hunky-dory, but it’s real. They live it.”
Change is also coming to the Comets’ on-field look, particularly on offense. After bringing in a veteran offensive coordinator with decades of head coaching experience in former Sycamore coach Scott Dattilo, Mason is shifting to an “OWA” — Offense With Attitude — scheme. Castner said he is content to let his staff take the reins.
“They’re experienced. They know what they’re doing,” Castner said. “I’ve maybe asked about three or four plays in 15 practices. I’m just going to have fun coaching and let them run the show.”
Key names up front include senior tackle Lenin Aguilar and three-year starting center in senior Joey Oscar. At quarterback, De’Angelo Birch — a dynamic athlete and transfer from Princeton — is working to become a more vocal leader while continuing to set the tone by example.
Defensively, Mason will lean on senior linebacker Alex Brown, a two-year captain. Up front, senior Jon Hendrix, senior Juan Bates and senior Bryan Oh bring size and high energy, while sophomore AJ Kaylor is a rising talent earning early varsity reps. The secondary is still taking shape, with corners and safeties competing for starting spots.
“I think my role this year should inspire the people around me and be the leader I am,” Brown said. “This is the most disciplined and hardworking team I’ve ever been a part of.
“The amount of culture that’s driven by the players here is something special. I don’t think you’ll find it anywhere else in Mason, or even in Ohio. We’re building something that will carry us to a great season and a bond we’ll forever have.”
Castner has challenged his team to “pursue greatness” rather than chase it — to attack each day with purpose, knowing there’s untapped potential within every player. Mason opens the season at home against Springboro on Aug. 22.
“This group wants to do this together,” Castner said. “We’re not there yet, but we’re a lot closer. If we keep stacking bricks, we’re going to build something special.”
