Friday nights are back in Pasadena, and the already 2-0 Chesapeake High School Cougars are ready to make a statement on the gridiron in 2025. With a veteran head coach, a challenging slate of opponents, and a roster stacked with experienced seniors and promising underclassmen, the Cougars are aiming to turn potential into playoff success.
The season opener was a solid confidence builder: Chesapeake blanked Fairmont Heights 21-0 on September 5 at home. During Week 2, the Cougars traveled to Patterson High School where they defeated the Clippers 24-0.
Head Coach at the Helm
Leading the charge once again is Rob Elliott, Chesapeake’s winningest coach in program history. Now in his 15th season, Elliott has transformed Cougar football into a steady competitor within Maryland’s 3A South. His 2021 squad’s run to the state semifinals set the bar, and he believes this year’s team has the balance of veteran leadership and youthful spark to chase another deep playoff run.
Key Players to Watch
On Offense
The Cougars’ offense will feature a mix of power and versatility. In the backfield, senior running backs Jude Weber and Levi Page are expected to carry much of the ground attack, bringing both toughness and consistency to the run game. They’ll run behind an experienced offensive line anchored by seniors Tyler Heath, Jonas Dotson, Noah Smith, and Frank Scicchitano, giving Chesapeake one of the most seasoned fronts in Anne Arundel County.
At quarterback, the Cougars have depth and talent with juniors Lance Blair and Dennis Bailey, both capable of leading the offense. Blair brings poise and precision in the passing game, while Bailey adds mobility and playmaking ability. The receiving corps is equally dynamic: juniors Zavion McCain, Kamari Ellis, Jack Wright, and Dakari Bailey provide speed, athleticism, and reliable hands, making the passing game a real threat to opposing defenses.
On Defense
Chesapeake’s defense will be anchored by seniors Jason Windell on the defensive line and Jaydon Hurley in the secondary. Windell is a disruptive force up front, while Hurley brings leadership and coverage skills against the county’s top wideouts. Juniors Payton Lazas (DL) and Lucas Rothenhoefer (DB) add strength and depth to a defensive unit that prides itself on physical play and forcing turnovers.
Special Teams
Rounding out the roster is senior kicker Gary Windsor, who provides stability on extra points and field goals while also giving the Cougars an advantage in field position with his leg on kickoffs.
Here’s a look at their upcoming games:
| Date | Opponent | Location / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 19 | First State Military Academy (DE) | Away, non-league |
| Sep 26 | Patterson Mill | Home |
| Oct 3 | Crofton* | Away; regional game |
| Oct 10 | Severn Run | Home; regional |
| Oct 17 | Northeast* | Away; regional clash |
| Oct 24 | South River* | Home; big regional test |
| Oct 31 | Southern | Home |
* Denotes region (Class 3A South) games that often carry extra weight for playoff seeding.
If Chesapeake can handle its region games well, the Cougars may be looking at a solid playoff run.
Dena Bowl
This year’s Dena Bowl between the Chesapeake Cougars and Northeast Eagles will take place on Friday, October 17 at 6:00pm at Northeast High School.
