Friday nights in Knox County just hit different. You can smell the concession stand popcorn from two blocks away, and the orange and black sea of fans at Energy Fieldhouse is basically a local landmark. If you’re looking for the mount vernon ohio football schedule, you aren't just looking for dates on a calendar. You’re looking for the heartbeat of a community.
Honestly, the 2025-2026 season for the Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets was a wild ride that proved Mark Weber has this program heading in a serious direction. After years of searching for a steady identity, the Jackets found their rhythm in the Licking County League (LCL). It wasn't just about the wins—though those were nice—it was the way they played. High-scoring, gritty, and always keeping the fans on the edge of their bleachers.
The Core of the Mount Vernon Ohio Football Schedule
When you look at the recent schedule, you see a masterclass in how to build momentum. The season usually kicks off in late August, and the 2025 slate was no exception. It started with a tough home opener against Marion Harding. Even though that one ended in a narrow 14-21 loss, it set the tone.
The Jackets didn’t mope around. They went on the road and absolutely dismantled Newark 24-7.
By the time the calendar flipped to September, people were starting to talk. The overtime thriller against Johnstown-Monroe (a 35-34 win) is the kind of game they'll be talking about at the local diners for a decade. It’s that mix of non-conference tests and the brutal grind of the LCL that makes the mount vernon ohio football schedule so fascinating for local sports junkies.
2025 Regular Season Breakdown
- August 22: vs Marion Harding (L 14-21)
- August 29: @ Newark (W 24-7)
- September 5: @ Delaware Hayes (L 34-41)
- September 12: vs Johnstown-Monroe (W 35-34, OT)
- September 19: @ Heath (W 38-22)
- September 26: vs Zanesville (W 42-0)
- October 3: @ Watkins Memorial (W 28-27)
- October 10: vs Licking Heights (W 42-13)
- October 17: @ Licking Valley (L 13-58)
- October 24: vs Granville (L 13-35)
That 6-game winning streak in the middle of the season was basically magic. You've got to respect a team that can travel to Pataskala and take down Watkins Memorial by a single point. It shows a level of "clutch" that Coach Weber has been preaching since he arrived from Teays Valley.
Navigating the Licking County League (LCL)
The Jackets moved to the Licking County League back in 2016, and it’s been a tough neighborhood. People sometimes forget that Mount Vernon is a Division II school (Region 7) going up against some powerhouse programs like Granville and Licking Valley.
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The back half of the schedule is always the gauntlet.
October 17th against Licking Valley was a reality check. A 13-58 loss is hard to swallow, but it’s part of the growth process. These are the games that define the program. If you want to be the best in Central Ohio, you’ve got to play the best. Granville followed that up with another tough loss for the Jackets, but the points were already in the bag for a playoff berth.
Playoff Dreams and Reality
One of the biggest questions fans have about the mount vernon ohio football schedule is always: "When do the playoffs start?"
In 2025, the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) released the pairings on October 26th. Mount Vernon earned a spot in the Division II, Region 7 bracket. Their reward? A trip to face a red-hot Ashland team on Halloween night.
It was a tough exit.
Ashland took that game 56-21, ending the Jackets' season with a 7-4 record (counting the postseason). But think about that for a second. A winning record and a playoff appearance? That's a massive win for the culture of Mount Vernon football.
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Key Players Who Lit Up the Scoreboard
You can't talk about the schedule without mentioning the guys who actually played the games. Senior Mason Richards was the engine of the offense. As a QB/S hybrid, the guy was everywhere.
Richards averaged over 137 rushing yards per game and racked up 22 total touchdowns. That’s absurd.
Then you had Luke Mullins at linebacker. The senior was a heat-seeking missile, averaging 11.4 tackles per game. When teams saw #45 coming on the blitz, they usually just hoped for the best. On the outside, guys like Landon Dawson and Darrin Monahan provided the big-play ability that made the Jackets so dangerous. Dawson, even as a sophomore, was already leading the team in sacks and receiving yards per game. The future looks bright.
Impact Seniors Leaving the Hive
- Mason Richards (QB/S): The unquestioned leader.
- Luke Mullins (RB/LB): The defensive backbone.
- Ben Fitzpatrick (RB/LB): Provided the "thump" in the run game.
- Landon Schlosser (FB/LB): A versatile piece that coaches love.
- Lane Mussard (OL/DL): Anchored the trenches during the win streak.
How to Get Tickets and Watch the Jackets
If you’re planning to attend a game next season, you need to be prepared. The school has moved heavily toward digital ticketing. You can usually find single-game tickets for around $7.00 to $8.00 through the official Mt. Vernon City Schools athletic site.
Don't just show up with a ten-dollar bill and expect to walk in.
For those who can’t make it to Energy Fieldhouse, the NFHS Network is your best friend. They livestream most of the home games. It’s a lifesaver for alumni who have moved away from Knox County but still want to see the orange and black on a Friday night.
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Quick Tips for Fans
- Arrive Early: Parking at 101 Yellow Jacket Drive fills up fast, especially for rivalry games.
- Check the Weather: It’s Ohio. It might be 80 degrees at kickoff and 45 by the fourth quarter.
- Get the Pass: If you’re a local, the 5-punch or 10-punch passes are way cheaper than buying individual tickets.
- The Hive: The student section is loud. If you want a quiet experience, sit toward the far ends of the bleachers.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The mount vernon ohio football schedule for 2026 is already being talked about in the locker rooms. With stars like Landon Dawson and Darrin Monahan returning as upperclassmen, the expectations are only going to climb. Coach Weber has emphasized "Faith, Family, Football," and you can see the players buying in.
There's a specific kind of pride in Mount Vernon. It's not a "football factory" like some of the private schools in Columbus, but it's a place where the kids play for the name on the front of the jersey.
The 2025 season proved they can compete with the big boys. The 2026 season will be about whether they can finally knock them off.
Actionable Steps for Jackets Fans
If you want to stay on top of everything happening with the program, there are a few things you should do right now:
- Bookmark the Official Site: The Mt. Vernon High School athletic page is the only place for "official" schedule changes.
- Download the App: Use the BigTeams or MaxPreps app to get live score alerts and roster updates.
- Follow Knoxpages Sports: For local reporting and deep-dive recaps, they are the gold standard for Knox County high school sports.
- Plan Your Travel: If the Jackets are away at Newark or Licking Valley, plan to leave early. Those LCL crowds are no joke.
The schedule is more than just a list of games. It's a roadmap for the community's fall season. Whether they're winning by 40 or losing a heartbreaker in overtime, the Yellow Jackets are the show to see in Mount Vernon.
Go Jackets.
Next Steps:
To prepare for the upcoming season, verify your digital ticketing account on the Mt. Vernon City Schools website to ensure you don't miss the home opener. You should also check the updated 2026 OHSAA regional alignments in late summer to see if the Jackets remain in Region 7 or if shifting enrollments move them to a new playoff bracket.