ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders are celebrating high school football and the local community through its first High School Takeover Game of the season. This all happened at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, VA.
Both schools have former Commanders players on their coaching staff. The Legends and Major Tuddy also served as honorary captains at the coin toss. The players in attendance include:
-Kedric Gholston (former DL)- SBHS HC
-Rock Cartwright (former RB): SBHS Assistant Coach
-Kerry Campbell (former DB): SBHS Assistant Coach
-Logan Paulsen (former TE)-IHS OC
-Todd Storm (Former Commanders TE Coach)—IHS OL Coach
-Will Montgomery (former OL)—IHS Volunteer Coach
“It’s big because you have to realize they’re our future. They are what we do this for," former cornerback for Commanders, Fred Smoot, said.
This year the experience goes beyond the yard lines.
Cheerleaders learned from Command Force — the commander dancers and the same with the band.
“You could make it if you want to—sometimes they need to just see and feel somebody that did it," Smoot said.
“I was pretty surprised," Stone Bridge Senior, Dash Loyer said. "I was like, ‘It’s kind of cool they’d come here’ the football team!.”
Drum Major Dash Loyer had a chance to learn from and play with the Commanders Marching Band.
“I think it’s really cool, especially to see what we do in a more professional setting like where it can get to after high school," Loyer said. "It’s cool to see and kind of create those relationships.”
“Being able to be a part of this fantastic group and giving inspiration to the kids is such an amazing feeling," Washington Commanders Marching Band member Aaron Reid said. "I’m very happy, very grateful to have said such kind words.”
Aaron Reid says he jumped at the opportunity to do this because he was once in the same position as these high school students. He says he then played in the band at Virginia State and later decided to try out for the Commanders band.
“To now be a part of a professional band and give that experience for the kids, it’s very special; it’s heartwarming to me," Reid said.
Loyer says he plans to pass down what he’s learned to the next group of students.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve tried to bring that to the younger kids too," Loyer said. "Just keeping that community together.”