Mount Vernon Controls Own National District Destiny

In his second year at the helm, Mount Vernon head coach Barry Wells has the Majors in position to capture the 2011 National District crown. The Majors currently own a three-game win streak and have outscored opponents 105 -27 in the three victories. More important is the 3-0 National District record the team has amassed in the process.

This time last season, the Majors were 2-6 and had dropped their first four contests.

With four regular season games left on the 2011 schedule, Wells is happy with the direction his team is headed.

“I’m pretty pleased with what we have done. I think the outlook is good. We have some formidable challenges moving forward with Hayfield and Edison, and hopefully the Yorktown game will be for the district championship,” said Wells.

A large part of Mount Vernon’s success this season can be attributed to the play of . Oyedele also handles the team’s kicking, punting and kick return duties. Oyedele’s athleticism initially grabbed Wells’ attention last year, but it took a bit of time for his running back to put it all together. Thankfully for Wells, good things come to those who wait.

“I’m pleased with the production we are getting from Sadiq. Last year, we thought we’d see what we are seeing this year,” Wells said.

Oyedele rushed for two touchdowns, caught another and converted three extra point attempts in . Oyedele was forced to leave the game with an ankle injury, but the team remains optimistic that he will be able to return for their Oct. 14 game at Hayfield.

If Oyedle isn’t ready to go by next Friday, senior running back Dennis Mensah will help take carries. Mensah rushed for 900 yards last year and was expected to be the team’s premiere running back this season. But undisclosed issues have prevented him from playing. However, he has put those issues behind him and Wells expects him to rejoin his teammates this upcoming week.

“He’ll be back next week and he’s hungry. I think he has learned his lesson. So we’ll have a two-headed attack at the tailback position,” said Wells.

Mount Vernon’s offensive line has played a large role in the success the team has had running the ball. Under offensive line head coach Blair Maginnis, linemen Oheneba Tutu, Stanley Gorman and Rob Nelson have flourished, clearing the running lanes for Oyedele and Mount Vernon’s other running backs.

Equally as impressive as Mount Vernon’s ground game is the defense the team has played the last few weeks. The Majors have held four of their six opponents this season to less than 10 points. Against Stuart, the defense held running back Chris Kirby, who leads the National District in rushing yards with 747, to just 74 yards and prevented him from scoring.

The Majors are just one win away from matching last year total of five. Of their two losses this season, one came against Centreville, who many consider to be the best teams in the state. The other was against West Potomac, a team that plays in a higher division and has a larger enrollment. Barring any further injuries, Wells’ Majors have a realistic shot at claiming this year’s National District title.

“After going through a buzz saw at the begging of the season, there are some lessons you hope to have learned. You hope to come out healthy and battle tested for the rest of the season. I think it will pay us dividends heading down the stretch,” said Wells.