MOSES LAKE — As the start of the 2025 season hits, the Mavericks bring in an experienced roster that has stayed hungry for a state title opportunity. Head Coach Brett Jay said the team has homed in on player development in the offseason.  

“We're going to focus on our locker room and develop every player we have. It's a yearlong process, our offensive linemen are all bigger and stronger, our receivers are bigger and faster, our backfield (quarterback and running back) is bigger and faster, and so it's exciting,” Jay said.  

Jay said he believes the Mavericks’ developmental process is second to none. They return a lot of players with experience as starters. Six offensive linemen who had multiple starts last season will suit up this fall. He said he’s also excited to see Carson Huberdeau return to the field this season.  

Huberdeau is a two-way player at running back and defensive back who battled the injury bug last season. He is one of 20 seniors and 44 upperclassmen who will contribute to an experienced roster.  

“We feel that we're the most well rounded we've been in five years,” Jay said. “I think every year, you go in feeling great about your roster and what's on paper doesn't ever matter. It's the work that gets put in, we have a lot of returning starters that have recorded a lot of snaps over the years, and they have been very committed to the weight room into our off season. There is just good energy, we're optimistic and we feel good about where things are headed.” 

The Mavericks will also have senior quarterback Brady Jay to lead the team. Brady, who will be attending the University of Montana next fall, is optimistic that his team will succeed this year.  

“We're just trying to score 60 (points) a game, that's our goal,” he said.  

Brady said he has worked on improving his speed and ability to push the ball downfield. He improved his 900-meter time to 10.9. With that, he is hoping to turn 20-yard scrambles into longer gains.  

The Mavericks return key receivers like All-Conference players Carter Anderson and Grant Smith. They will also have Elijah Burns returning in the backfield who recorded 1,400 all-purpose yards last season. The Mavs offense will be loaded with weapons at Brady’s disposal and an experienced offensive line in front of him.  

“I think we have more personnel to create some different packages this year, some different personnel packages which will be fun and so we might have some different looks to keep the defense on their heels a little bit,” Brett Jay said.  

The Mavericks defense will have key fixtures in place at the linebacker position this year with Petrah Mackenzie and John Rainey. Mackenzie was second team all-conference last season and has had a strong offseason, Jay said. Rainey was the team's leading tackler last season with 100 tackles as a freshman.  

Jay said although his team was well represented in the Big Nine’s all-conference teams, it’s important that they remain hungry. He wants his players to avoid getting complacent and remain focused on their shared goal of a state title.  

The Mavericks will have a challenging schedule this year with only four home games and six away. Though it may not be ideal, the Mavericks are not rattled by this, Jay said. Their goal shifts to winning enough games to host in the post season.  

“When everyone is committed to the common goal, that makes the day to day process an absolute blast,” Jay said. “We're creating depth charts for offense, defense and special teams. We want to be very dynamic in each facet of the game and just put together great game plans and make it simple so they can play fast and confidently.” 

The Mavericks travel to Oak Harbor on Sept. 4, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. 

    Mavericks linemen work through drills at their first practice of the 2025 season. They return six offensive linemen who started multiple games last season.
  

    Mavericks quarterback Brady Jay takes some reps to throw at practice while Head Coach Brett Jay watches in the background. Brady said the team will take their season one week at a time.
  

    Mavericks receiver Theo Kalasountas hauls in a deep ball from quarterback Brady Jay during practice. Head Coach Brett Jay said the Mavs have the personnel to be dynamic on offense this season.
  

    Mavericks Head Coach Brett Jay talks with his team during their first practice of the 2025 season. Jay said they have worked on player development throughout the offseason in the hopes to build off a strong 2024 football season.
  

    Moses Lake rising senior Grant Smith (13) turns up field after recording a catch against Eastmont last season. The Mavericks won the Columbia Basin Big 9 for the first time since 2021 last fall.
  

    Elijah Burns (23) looks for the hole in the Mavericks’ state crossover game last season.