Mavs football begins season prep with QB competition in focus

MOSES LAKE — It’s only June, but the Mavericks football program is already working toward the 2026 season.  

“We have a lot of guys that are bought in,” Head Coach Kyler Haneberg said. “We're allowed 10 practices, and so with our quarterback competition right now, and all the other competitions, these 10 practices are crucial for our guys to separate themselves but included in those 10 practices is the last one, where it's a scrimmage at Royal (High School).” 

After a decorated four-year tenure by Brady Jay, the Mavericks have an important gap to fill at quarterback. Additionally, Moses Lake graduated over 20 seniors across the team. 

“It's going to be right now, ‘Who can build the chemistry the fastest? Who can flash the most right now on the field?’” said the coach. “These 10 practices are crucial to get here as much as you can, that way you have a really good shot of flashing for us.” 

Nolan Decubber, Jacoby DeLeon, Landon Seitz and Caden Barney are competing for the starting QB role, Haneberg said. Decubber was the backup to Jay last season but also filled in at wide receiver occasionally. DeLeon has had the opportunity to learn the playbook throughout Spring, as well.  

“He was there for all of our seven on sevens this spring, because some of these other guys are multi-sport athletes,” Haneberg said, “and so Jacoby was with our seven on sevens practicing, so he's gotten to know our playbook really well.” 

Coming up from the freshman team last season is Seitz, who is currently dealing with a hip issue, according to Haneberg. Despite that, Seitz has shown the traits he likes to see in a quarterback. 

“He’s got that prototypical build for a quarterback that we like to see. He's tall, he's like six three right now. He's got an arm, but he's just young, so it's getting him to learn as much as he can,” he said.  

Lastly Barney, who is also testing the waters at other positions like receiver. The 6’4 player has shown flashes of promising athletic ability throughout the spring. From Haneberg's perspective, it could prove to be beneficial to get Barney on the field often.  

“The couple of practices that we've had already for our offensive practices. He's making plays,” Haneberg said. “It's like, ‘Man, if he's not playing quarterback, he has to be on the field, and outside receiver is where it is,’ and so it gives these other newer quarterbacks a really reliable person to throw it to, especially with the height in our league. You're not going to come across a corner that big.” 

Not only are the players looking to show they’re capable starters but possess the leadership qualities needed for a player-led program. After a snap count was not called out loud enough, offensive lineman Reese Porter called it out. Haneberg said it just shows how he takes ownership of the frontline.  

“He's not afraid to let a quarterback know what he needs to do better,” the coach said. “That's part of the buy-in. We got four captains right now that are all bought in, and are some dudes, and so they're not afraid to voice their opinion to get everyone else in line.” 

They conclude summer practices Friday with a scrimmage at RHS against the Knights. The freshman and junior varsity teams start at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity team playing after. Getting to compete against another program instead of a teammate helps everyone know where they’re at, Haneberg said.  

“There's going to be major growth between then and the fall, but it's a test to see what guys can do against an actual other opponent,” he said.  

From there, the Mavericks don’t take any breaks. Later this summer they plan to attend an Eastern Washington football camp, which includes a Battle of the Basin goal line challenge. Each team that attends will get four plays to score from the five yard line. He noted teams from the Tri-Cities and west side typically attend the camp as well.  

Soon after they’ll begin their Lake Lifts program, which is going on five years running, Haneberg said.  

“That starts June 22 so that's 7:30 to 9 a.m. every day for the boys, and then the girls come after that,” he said.  

Above all else, Haneberg is just excited to be on the field with the team.  

“I'm pretty happy with where we're at,” he said. “The guys are flying around, we got pads hitting pads, and so guys are excited, coaches are excited, and it can't be a better start to the spring than what we've had so far.” 

    Ryker Henson keeps his eyes downfield as takes a snap at quarterback during Moses Lake’s summer practice on Tuesday.
  

    Drake Davis goes full steam ahead during a drill at Moses Lake’s summer practices.
  

    During a passing drill, Isaac Legault hauls in a pass during the Mavericks summer practice.
  

    Elijah Burns breaks through a gap during a drill at Moses Lake’s summer practices.
  

    A Mavericks ball carrier is wrapped up by a defender during a drill at MLHS’s summer practices.