For five straight seasons, Nimitz has found a way to extend its season.
Last year, the Cougars continued that tradition by finishing in a three-way tie for first place in 6A Region II District 14, earning another playoff berth. It marked the program’s longest postseason streak since the school opened in 1979.
Now, Nimitz enters the 2026 season with a new challenge.
After graduating quarterback Albert Brown, leading receiver Malachi Augustus, and all three all-district offensive linemen, the Cougars must replace significant offensive production.
But with a defense loaded with returning talent, led by senior linebacker Elijah Taylor and senior weak safety Jamari Bondi, Nimitz believes its experience can help it accomplish what the program has not done in nearly three decades: Win an outright district championship.
“Making the playoffs five straight years says that our plan and expectations are clear and set, but we need to continue to raise the bar and be the standard,” said Nimitz head coach Cornelius Harmon. “Winning an outright district championship for Nimitz would be a great accomplishment. It’s one of our goals for the year, but not our ultimate goal, as we have bigger goals and aspirations.”
However, taking the next step will require the Cougars to replace several key offensive contributors from last season’s playoff team.
When a team loses players such as Brown, Augustus, and its all-district linemen, offseason and summer workouts become crucial for preparing the next group to step into those roles.
“Replacing those guys will be difficult, but we look forward to the challenge; each of our players has the capability to fill those roles,” said Harmon.
After rushing for more than 550 yards and eight touchdowns last season, Da’Kari Franklin used the offseason to improve his game as he prepares to assume a key running back role.
“I focused on improving my balance and strength, keeping my feet moving, and getting faster,” said Franklin. “I’ve also been working to become a better leader and to set an example for my teammates.”
With new athletes stepping into starting roles, the Cougars’ offense must build its identity as a unit rather than relying on individual pieces.
“We have a few people who will need to step up as leaders and set an example,” said Franklin. “We have to trust each other, work together, and hold each other accountable. If everyone does their job and steps up when their number is called, we can have a really good offense this year.”
Junior Edwin Brown brings versatility to the offense, capable of playing both quarterback and receiver. He is prepared to contribute at multiple positions for the Cougars this season.
“I’ve been playing wide receiver and quarterback my whole life,” said Brown, who added muscle and improved his stamina as he prepares his body to play both positions if asked. “I put on 15 to 20 more pounds. I attended summer workouts at Nimitz and worked with my QB trainer, Brian Swain, and my wide receiver trainer, Kevin Brown.”
The work with coach Brown focused on hand-eye coordination and footwork, while the work with coach Swain focused on mechanics.
Aggressive senior tight end Donovan Jordan should also bolster the Cougars’ offense. His presence could force defenses to respect Nimitz’s option attack while accounting for the Cougars’ ability to pass or run.
“Last year, I didn’t have to run as many routes because of our explosive senior offense, but now that I’m a senior, I’ll be playing a bigger role and running more routes,” said Jordan.
While the offense continues to develop new playmakers, the Cougars believe their defense has the experience to keep them competitive from the start.
Senior Jamari Bondi, who accounted for 97 tackles and 11 tackles for loss last season at linebacker, has moved to weak safety. He understands the importance of senior leadership.
“Being a leader of this defense is truly a blessing,” said Bondi. “Coach Eric Buchanan has taught me how to succeed in this defense and in life. Being a leader in this defense makes me realize how hard I have to push every day, knowing my teammates are counting on me.”
Along with Bondi, senior linebacker Elijah Taylor returns after recording 82 tackles and 10 tackles for loss last season.
“Making the playoffs five straight years says that our plan and expectations are clear and set, but we need to continue to raise the bar and be the standard,” said Cornelius Harmon.
The Cougars also return 6-foot-3, 180-pound senior cornerback Emmitt Hines, who has the size to defend receivers across the district, and fellow senior defensive back Romello Pierre, who was effective in coverage and a reliable tackler last season, accounting for 52 tackles.
“My experience gives me a lot of confidence because I got a lot of reps last season,” said Hines. “You don’t see many high school defensive backs with my size and length.”
With a defense capable of carrying the team early, the biggest question is whether the offense can develop quickly enough to help Nimitz compete for a championship.
“A successful 2026 season for Nimitz football is making sure we grow as a program, develop the young guys, and have the opportunity to see how this thing will go,” said Harmon. “As long as we get better week in and week out, our challenges will depend on how quickly we grow up. Like many programs across the state, we need to find depth on the offensive and defensive line.”
For the Cougars, however, the opportunity extends beyond developing young players and returning to the playoffs. The ultimate goal is to make Nimitz history.
“To bring the first outright district championship to Nimitz since 1998 would mean the world to the team,” said Bondi. “To carry that with us for the rest of our lives, knowing that we changed Nimitz history, would truly be a blessing.”
“Our standard is the standard, and that won’t change. Win District, 100% passing rate,” said Harmon.
